By Catherine Tsounis
An inspiring tribute to Greek Independence was held March 27th morning 11a.m. at the Press Room of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive Building at 1550 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY. The Honorable Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman hosted the event with the Greek Orthodox Churches of Nassau County and AHEPA Family Chapters of New York. The Chairman was Anastasi Stampolis, and his Reception Committee of James Ginis, Gus Constantine, George Lavas, photographer of the of the AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter No. 170, Hempstead, NY.
The Program included: Welcome by AHEPA Family Chapters of Long Island, Chairman Anastasi Stampolis; Invocation by the Greek Orthodox Clergy of Nassau County, Rev. Father Christopher Constantinides, Rev. Father John Lardas who inspired the initiation of the event, Rev. Father Elias Pappas, Rev. Father Demetrios Kazakis and other clergy; Introduction by Honorable Bruce A Blakeman’s representative Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips; AHEPA Empire New York State District 6 Governor Mike Labatos; AHEPA Supreme Governor Region 3 Dean Moskos; Daughters of Penelope Empire District 6 Lt. Governor Effie Argyropoulos; American National Anthem & Greek National Anthem by Anna Dounelis of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul Choir member. A Complimentary reception donated by Pandora Bakery and Kabir’s Bakery.
Continuation of the Hellenic-American Heritage continued at 6 pm, at the same location. The program’s keynote speaker Louis Katsos, President, Jekmar Associates, Inc. The 2025 honorees included: Maro Makros – Panaghia, Island Park; Stamatios Tsakos – St. Markella, Wantagh; David & Georgia Pereira – St. Demetrios, Merrick; Katherine R. Bouloukos – St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead; Leah Pappas, Monias & Gerasimos Monias – Holy Trinity, Hicksville; Vasilianna Fakiris – Holy Resurrection Church, Brookville; Demetrios Ziozis – Archangel Michael Church, Pt. Washington and Dean Mihaltses – St. Michael’s Home for the Aged.
I personally attended the morning program that was outstanding. “Today we celebrate our 204 Years of Greek Independence,” said Chairman Anastasi Stampolis. “Ζητω η Ελλαδα” (Zito i Ellas) means “Long Live Greece!” and is a common phrase used to celebrate Greek independence, particularly on March 25th, the anniversary of Greece’s Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.”
“Greece is the birthplace of democracy,” said AHEPA District 6 Parade Chairperson Paul Macropoulos. “We are proud to be part of America.” The Daughters of Penelope Empire District 6 Lt. Governor Effie Argyropoulos added, “We thank the Nassau County supervisor and staff for honoring our culture and traditions on the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence.”
“We appreciate the freedom in America to hold a Geek Independence Day celebration,” explained AHEPA Empire New York State District 6 Governor Mike Labatos.n “That is the strength of America: to celebrate our roots.”
“I am a third-generation Greek American,” said AHEPA Supreme Governor Region 3 Dean Moskos. “My ancestors, going back three generations, were from Macedonia under the Ottoman Turkish Empire. My aunt remembers Pavlos Melas fighting for freedom. When Greeks first arrived here, they faced discrimination. Signs on restaurant doors read, ‘Greeks and dogs are not welcome.’ But after 1940, the world took notice of Greek heroism. Greece was the only nation to fight and defeat an Axis power, earning recognition in WWII. AHEPA played a key role, selling over 500 million war bonds to help finance the war. I am proud of what we, as Americans, have accomplished. We must continue to fight for Hellenism.”
“Our County Supervisor Bruce Blakeman sends his regards,” said Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. “We are blessed to live here and learn about Greek heritage.” Chairman Stampolis added “ “AHEPA was established one hundred years ago, together with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Together we uphold our Greek culture, tradition and our Greek Orthodox faith.” For a more accurate list of leaders, members, churches and organizations that participated in these event, email https://www.ahepa170.
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