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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 Erdogan continues to weaponize migrants in a deliberate effort to destabilize Greece and blackmail the EU.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus and the Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance (CHIA) wrote a Letter to the Editor, stating, among other things,

The conscious decision to not report on Turkey organizing what the State Department has criticized as the “fundamentally destabilizing” and “unsustainable” movement of thousands of people towards the borders of the EU is inexplicable. This error is compounded by the lack of discussion of Turkey’s geopolitical motives, and that those that have been arrested are not Syrian asylum seekers but migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia and Turkey itself.

Read the entire letter here.

Do your part: Send a letter to the New York Times about this egregious reporting and set the record straight.

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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 know the burden of responsibility. Today, Greek – American relations are at their best. The aim, however, is to make this relation even closer, to strengthen our multidimensional cooperation for the benefit of our two nations, to serve our common interests.

 

The common principles and values upon which our bilateral relationship has been built over the years are even more timely and important today. Ancient Greece inspired America’s Founding Fathers and the American Revolution gave wings to enslaved Greeks to begin their struggle for liberation from the Ottoman rule. Since then, our two countries have continuously been side by side in the struggle for freedom, democracy, prosperity and progress.

 

Greece is located in a geographically sensitive region, at the crossroads between East and West, on the borders of the European and Atlantic Alliance. The broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean, unfortunately, is once again tested by growing instability and aggressive behaviors that threaten cooperation and friendly neighborly relations as well as the safety and prosperity of its people. The strategic partnership between Greece and the U.S. combined with our close defense cooperation precisely enhance security, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the Balkans and beyond.

 

Finally, I would like to extend a warm greeting to the Greek compatriots who live and prosper in the USA. You are the strongest bond between Greece and the U.S. You are the bridge that guarantees the close cooperation, mutual understanding and common path of our two countries. We want to enhance our cooperation with you, to hear your problems and to help strengthen your bonds with motherland. We are here for you.

 

Alexandra Papadopoulou

Ambassador of Greece to the USA

 

(Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

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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, Cyprus, and Turkey. Today, we spoke with Mr. Nick Larigakis, President of the AHI, who gave us his take on the current state of affairs in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

We are at an extremely important junction point. To put it simply, the ‘stars have aligned,’ and now is a good time to push through our policy priorities…As a community, we need to engage in constant outreach to our political leaders and the various policy centers of the U.S. government.

— Nick Larigakis, President of AHI

Read interview

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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 Hellenic American Leadership Council

Despite striking historical similarities among their peoples, Israel, Cyprus and Greece experienced mostly unfriendly relations for almost 60 years. This situation was radically altered during the past decade with the emergence of ever-widening cooperation among the three states.

This lecture by Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris, University of Piraeus (Greece) Professor of International Relations, will discuss how and why Greece, Cyprus, and Israel decided to get so close, what issues and areas have been part of the improved relations and delineate the future prospects for what amounts to a positive development contributing to stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris is Professor of International Relations, Chair of the Department of International and European Studies and Director of the MSc Program in Energy: Strategy, Law & Economics at the University of Piraeus. He is also Standing Fellow at New York University’s Remarque Institute, member of the Executive Academic Board of the European Security and Defense College (ESDC), Academic Advisor to the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), Founding member of the Israeli-Hellenic Forum, Academic Coordinator for the Erasmus+ “Eastern Mediterranean Regional Training Partnership” Program and Examiner for the course International Relations and Politics for the entrance examinations of the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Time:
4:00pm | Reception
4:30pm | Lecture & Discussion

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Magnin Auditorium

For more information and to RSVP, please click here.

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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 Council. On Saturday, February 1st, the Congressman met with the AHC Board of Directors and discussed at length the importance of the passing of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy and Security Partnership Act and US commitment to Greek and Cypriot sovereignty.

“Congress is making every effort to help Greece,” he stated, “Turkey has been an unreliable and bad actor.”

Congressman Bilirakis also underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece, in particular, are issues with bi-partisan support that unite Congress, acknowledging Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s instrumental assistance; both side of the aisle wanted to see the President sign this bill.

Finally, Congressman Bilirakis recalled his meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and expressed his confidence in the Prime Minister’s national defense strategy and US – Greece relations.

Read about the Eastern Mediterranean Energy and Security Partnership Act.

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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.

Gilbert was very active in the Greek American community. He was a founding board member of the original Save Cyprus Council, now the American Hellenic Council (AHC). He was Cyprian League president as well as Hellenic University Club president and board member. He was a long time secretary/treasurer of the Las Vegas AHEPA Chapter #314, having joined AHEPA on October 11, 1994. He attended AHEPA District Conventions and participated in committees like senior housing.

AHC Chairman & President, Dr. James F. Dimitriou stated,

My sincerest sympathies to Gil’S wife, Alexis & family! I had the honor to know Gil for some 44 years! We originally met on the picket line in front of the Turkish Consulate. He will be remembered as a pillar of Hellenism and champion of the destiny of Greece & Cyprus! He was always true to his beliefs and sense of doing the right thing! As an original member of the Save Cyprus Council, he always stood strong for the people of Cyprus. I am proud to have had Gil as my friend and compatriot. Zoi se mas.

Honorary Consul General of Cyprus and founding member of the Save Cyprus Council, Mr. Andreas Kyprianides, added,

I am deeply saddened by the death of Gilbert (Gil) Kyprianou, my close friend for almost fifty years. I got to know him in Los Angeles during the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in the summer of 1974. At that time, the Greek American community in Southern California and throughout the United States, mobilized against  the illegal  aggression. In support of that small island republic, which was brutally invaded and partly occupied by Turkey in violation of American and international law.
A group of concerned American citizens in Los Angeles founded the Save Cyprus Council of Southern California. Gil and I, were among the founders of the council and both of us served together on its board of directors for several years. Later we worked together for many years on the board of directors of the Hellenic University Club, where, at different times, we both served as presidents of the club. In his later years he moved to Las Vegas, where he lived with his loving wife Alexis until his death. In Las Vegas Gilwas one of the leaders of AHEPA and a strong supporter of our Church.
My long association with Gil and our many years of working closely on community affairs and all Hellenic issues, with emphasis on the Just Cause of Cyprus, gave me the opportunity to know him well. He was gifted with rare human qualities. He was widely known for his high moral character, his integrity, honesty and kindness, and was liked by everyone who knew him.
He served the Greek American community and all Hellenic causes with dedication, commitment and altruism. He had a special love for Cyprus, birthplace of his parents and he was a strong advocate and steadfast supporter of a just and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem. While he lived in Las Vegas, he used to call me almost every week with a standard first question. “What is new from Cyprus?”
My wife, Mika, and I considered Gil part of our family and our daughter, Alexia, called him “uncle Gil.” We are all going to miss him. He was a virtuous and honorable man. May he rest in peace, may his memory be eternal.

Read full obituary here.

First visit ever to Los Angeles of the Ambassador of Cyprus in Washington DC, organized by the Save Cyprus Council in 1975, From right to left: Gilbert Kyprianou, Andreas Kyprianides, who later became Honorary Consul General of Cyprus for California. Andros Nicolaides (From Cyprus Embassy), Ambassador Nicos Demetriou, Professor Theodore Saloutos and Hon. Consul General of Cyprus from San Francisco, Dr. Anastasios Simonides.

 

Board of Directors of the Save Cyprus Council for 1975-76. Gil Kyprianou, back row, third from the right.

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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 – Western Region and the Assyrian American Association of Southern California, co-hosted an evening discussion with historian Benny Morris.

Robert Nicholson of The Philos Project asked Morris about his recent book, The Thirty-Year Genocide: Turkey’s Destruction of its Christian Minorities and the implications moving forward.

American Hellenic Council Chairman and President, Dr. James F. Dimitriou, stated,

Author Benny Morris’s presentation was a powerful, meticulous and enlightening discussion of the hidden genocide of Turkey’s Christian minorities between 1894 & 1924. Never before has an author presented this as a “Christian Genocide” of Armenians, Greeks & Assyrian communities. Historically accurate & factually presented, the book and Benny Morris’s presentation chronicles the organized destruction of all three communities from Ottoman Sultans to modern Turkey.

Furthermore, this historic event highlights our new coalition with the determination to work together to counter continued Turkish propaganda that denies the destruction of all three Christian Communities. Together we finally will proclaim the truth!  Together we will challenge the dangerous Turkish positions. Together we will work through a new coalition of truth & justice.

Let us finally declare the truth of the memory of our ancestors who suffered and died without recognition or tribute.

Watch Chairman Dimitriou’s greeting:

The event was hosted at Los Angeles City Hall and we were joined by Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Ambassador Nina Hachigian.

 

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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 Mark Rubio (R-FL) as SB 1102, while in the House, H.R. 2913 was sponsored by Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and David Cicilline (D-RI).

In the findings, it is noted that the security of partners and allies in the Eastern Mediterranean region is critical to the security of the United States and Europe. It views Greece as a valuable member of NATO and a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean; Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States and has been designated a ‘‘major non-NATO ally’’ and ‘‘major strategic partner’’; and Cyprus is a key strategic partner and signed a Statement of Intent with the United States on November 6, 2018, to enhance bilateral security cooperation.

The Act authorizes the appropriation of up to $3,000,000 for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece to assist the country in meeting its commitment as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to dedicate 20 percent of its defense budget to enhance research and development.

Furthermore, it authorizes the appropriation of $1,300,000 for fiscal year 2020, $1,500,000 for 2021, and $1,800,000 for 2022 for International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece and $200,000 for fiscal year 2020, $500,000 for 2021, and $750,000 for 2022 in such assistance for Cyprus.

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.

“This legislation marks the dawn of a new day for the United States’ engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean. By including this legislation in the government funding package, the United States Congress has prioritized our significant national security interests in the region,” said Menendez. “Bolstered by strong and expanding relationships with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, this commonsense legislation will significantly strengthen our joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security.”

“I am proud to have co-authored a bill that enhances our engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that is strategically important to the U.S. and our allies,” said Rubio. “The inclusion of the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Partnership Act of 2019 in the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2020 reaffirms our nation’s commitment to strengthening and expanding our energy and security cooperation with our key allies and partners in the region.”

I am proud to have led efforts since the establishment of the CHIA caucus to safeguard US interests and values in the Eastern Mediterranean by deepening relations with reliable Western allies. In an increasingly unstable region, and with Turkey making a decisive turn away from the West, the Greece-Cyprus-Israel partnership with the US is especially timely. America’s energy diplomacy, security and counterterrorism strategies, and efforts against Russia, Iranian, and Turkish malign influences will all be strengthened by such cooperation. This is why I made the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act such a priority. This is a comprehensive piece of legislation with strong bi-partisan and bicameral support. I thank my original co-sponsors and all Members of Congress who made this final passage a reality. I look forward to President Trump signing the Act this week. We are safeguarding American interests, values, and allies in the region,said Bilirakis.

The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019:

  • Lifts the prohibition on arms sales to the Republic of Cyprus;
  • Authorizes the establishment of a United States-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center to facilitate energy cooperation between the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus;
  • Authorizes Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece;
  • Authorizes International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece and Cyprus.
  • Requires the Administration to submit to Congress a strategy on enhanced security and energy cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as reports on malign activities by Russia and other countries in the region.

 

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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 6 PM at AHC’s offices in Culver City.

Congressman Pappas, currently serving his first term, is one of the five Greek Americans currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, who in addition to his Hellenic ties and strong support for the US-Israel relationship, is also on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Pappas also introduced the Resolution Honoring Oxi Day: House Resolution 644, designating October 28 as Oxi Day to honor the
refusal of Greek Prime Minister Metaxas to surrender to the invading Axis powers by declaring “Oxi!” (“No,” in English) on October 28, 1940.

A lifelong resident of Manchester, New Hampshire, Congressman Chris Pappas is a local business owner and public servant who has a longstanding record of working to put people before politics. During his time in elected office, Chris also served as an Executive Councilor, State Representative, and County Treasurer. As the fourth generation owner of a family business that opened in 1917, Chris understands the need to focus on constituent services and delivering results for New Hampshire’s working families and Main Street businesses.

As a member of the state’s Executive Council, Chris worked with governors of both parties to implement Medicaid expansion, expand treatment and recovery services, approve funding for family planning providers, and support renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

For more information, click here.

DATE: Sunday, December 8
TIME: 6 – 7:30 PM
LOCATION:
3916 Sepulveda Blvd, #101
Culver City, CA 90230
*Parking available in the rear of the building

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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.