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

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National Address from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020 American Hellenic Announcements, Breaking News, Greek Government, News

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

My fellow citizens,
Thirty-three days have gone by since my first addresses about the pandemic. I then set a one clear goal: To curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country, while also enduring personal sacrifices. And you made these sacrifices, with a high sense of responsibility. So, all Greeks were protected; mainly though, it was the most vulnerable who were protected. And we gained valuable time, to organize better the National Health System. You all deserve a great thank you. For the trust you showed, but also for your disciplined behavior. We proved, as a people, that we have great strength and perseverance within. We showed the best version of ourselves. And that offers us justifiable satisfaction, if not also pride, because, at the same time, it equips us with the courage to continue the battle.

The war has not been won yet. The cases are decreasing, just as the number of patients in Intensive Care Units. However, even the slightest sense of complacency could easily lead us down a painful road of reversal. In the time that passed, we had and still have, unfortunately, losses. A lot fewer, though, than if we had followed a different policy. Therefore, we will insist on the course we are on: We will always consult with the specialists. Return to normal life will occur gradually and in phases. And only when it is substantiated by scientific facts. Above all, we will continue to protect, for a while, the elderly and those suffering from severe, chronic diseases.

My fellow citizens,

During this unprecedented crisis, so much has changed in rapid speed. We changed. I believe for the better. A new National Health System is already being built. More has happened in five weeks than happened in decades. I met and spoke with the people in the front lines, in the hospitals. I have admired their abilities, their devotion and their will. And have realized that along with the buildings and the technological tools, the perceptions of the role and function of public Health is also modernizing. The reformation of the National Health System does not end here. It is a personal commitment of mine to immediately add hundreds of ICU beds, so that we can quickly arrive to the European average.
The pandemic is subsiding. But it is very possible that it will return in the next winter. And it must find us prepared. Along with the National Health System, though, the public sector at large is taking new form: Its services are digital and spread to serve with greater ease and more speed. Prescriptions and certificates are issued electronically. The government website, https://www.gov.gr/, has now entered our life for good and makes it easier. Employees are getting better acquainted with technology. While, until today, almost 5 million students have participated in digital classrooms with the help of tens of thousands of educators. Many of our business prove to be durable and agile: some pivot their production to products fit for the time, such as antiseptics. While others collaborate with one another to offer hospitals technologically advanced materials, such as 3D-printed masks for doctors.

At the same time, Greek scientists are present at all international research programs fighting against the virus, while the mobilization of society is expressed on many dimensions: With major donations by private citizens. With thousands of citizen volunteers. And with the discipline of all. Because there is one common goal.

My fellow citizens,

With your responsible attitude, you tamed the first wave of Coronavirus. Doctors and nurses, uniformed and Public Safety, all stood at the front line. And by their side, many other fighters of this “new reality”: The employees of food markets. The delivery people delivering ready food. As well as the employees who keep our cities clean all day long. All of them “give life to our lives.” It is a certainly though, that when this crisis is over, we will look at the people filling our supermarket shelves in a different way. We will worry if the young lad on his moped isn’t wearing a helmet. And we will say good day to the men and women who empty the garbage bins in our neighborhoods. They will not be invisible as, perhaps for some, they once were. Many of these people had to wear protective masks for their bright faces to shine. It is the face of decency and solidarity. Of the Greece of tomorrow. And I want to thank them, once again, on behalf of all citizens. The greatest gain, however, from this unprecedented crisis has a name. And it is called Trust. Trust for the State. For the Government. For the fellow citizen! Because, in 50 days, decades’ old myths were destroyed. And new conclusions surfaced that will accompany us for long. It was proven, for example, that the state must first and foremost must be evaluated on the basis of its effectiveness. And that when the state is not a spoil of power, then it is transformed into a real “State.” Not with a partisan destination, but with the intent to care for all. One that assigns the responsibility of critical sectors to the most deserving. This legacy of trust and meritocracy must not leave when the pandemic goes. Because we will need it for the next big challenge: The reorganization of our economy.

The government has faced an unprecedented crisis. And reacted quickly: It has more than 14 billion to support employees and businesses. And it is securing another 10 billion euros in liquidity and additional European funds. Already, 750,000 workers are receiving the 800-euro boost. Nearly 200,000 unemployed people received an extension in their allowance. All tax and insurance obligations have been suspended for more than 500,000 companies. And 85,000 scientists signed up for paid telecommunications programs.

Today, I will announce once more initiative for a special group of the population: There are 155,000 long-term unemployed in our country who will receive an emergency financial support of 400 euro. Careful, though: Until today, we have been intentionally sacrificing a part of our prosperity in order to protect health and social unity. Because the recession of 2020 will be great. But the recovery of 2021 can be even greater. And, unlike in the past, today we have a big advantage: A huge reserve of reliability and seriousness. This national capital, therefore, cannot be wasted on reckless demands and provisional benefits. Because an ongoing war requires reserves. We will share the burdens of the crisis in a fair way, as we have done so far. So that everyone can have a dividend from the development boom that will follow.

At the beginning of this trial, I asked for the power of your trust. And you generously offered it to me. I believe that, with hard work, I reciprocate it every day. I do not forget, however, that this situation will not continue indefinitely. After the crisis, any authority must relinquish the inviolability of need and enhance its accountability. Because no extraordinary condition can put into question democratic sensitivity.

Parliament and all institutions, therefore, operate despite the restrictions. But I will say it again: Greece, after the pandemic must be a renewed Greece! The crisis may wound us. It will have armed us, however, with valuable experience to build a stronger and more modern state. Because, it is exactly these big steps that are being taken now that will serve as our weapons, which can make this temporary test a lever of steady progress. To integrate the expediencies of the moment into the strategic goal of the future. And, so, today’s measure can become the instigators of permanent reform. These are conquests that will help us make a fresh start after the storm. In other words, after the experience of Coronavirus, it is in our hands for “the need of today” to establish the “rebirth of tomorrow”. And the tough present may become a prelude to more optimistic times.

I would like to close with these thoughts,

In our previous communication, I had emphasized that in the battle against Covid-19, April is the most crucial month. Today, I am telling you that this is the most crucial week! A true Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα – Holy Week. In which our Passions and sacrifices are imprinted, this year, in order to overcome the Golgotha (Calvary) of the pandemic and reach Resurrection. We will remember this Easter as the Easter of Love. But, also, of Responsibility. We will go through it in separation from our people. And perhaps far from our homes. And, without pilgrimage to the churches. I know it’s very difficult. It is not our faith that is at stake, but the health of the faithful. In this way, however, we will justify the true message of the great feast. Which is the victory of life over death.

In this way, this Holy Week takes on a special spirituality. It brings us face to face with our fears, but also our expectations. It pushes us to stay humble and think about what is really important in our lives. So, let’s stay home. To meet again, healthy and strong, when the storm is over. We stay home, we come out winners. Because a thread separates victory from destruction: If we do not follow the advice of experts to the end, we can destroy what we have achieved.

On the horizon, we can see the moment when shops and schools will begin to open with careful steps, when the engines of the economy are reheating. And people can meet again on the streets, at work, at sports venues. All of this, however, must be done with caution. With a plan. Always consult our doctors. With new habits. With individual hygiene becoming a way of life. With special care for our elderly. And with any cases detected to be put in immediate isolation, before they become a threat.

I believe it: it is within our grasp to bring the future we desire closer to us. And by being cautious today, we can make tomorrow brighter and more optimistic. We can and we will make it happen!

Happy Resurrection to all!

 

Read and watch the Prime Minister’s original message in Greek.

American Hellenic

American Hellenic has blogged 720 posts

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.