At the annual dinner of the Federation of Cypriot Organizations of America, George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of the Libra Group, and Savvas Tsivicos, Supreme President of AHEPA, received prestigious awards. The keynote speaker for the evening was Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus.
By Fotis Kaliampakos – Special to the Hellenic News of America
Main Speaker: Nikos Christodoulides
The traditional annual dinner of the Federation of Cypriot Organizations of America took place on the evening of September 27 at Terrace on the Park. The main speaker was President Nikos Christodoulides, who spoke after a week of engagements in New York surrounding the United Nations General Assembly. He was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Philippa Karsefara – Christodoulides, Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, and Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. This marked President Christodoulides’ second attendance at the Federation’s annual dinner, having previously participated as Foreign Minister and government spokesperson, and even as a student during his studies in New York.
High-profile Attendees
Honored guests of the evening included two distinguished members of the diaspora: George Logothetis and Savvas Tsivicos. Due to the event’s significance, the presence of the Cypriot President, and the prestige of the honorees, the halls of Terrace on the Park were filled with prominent members of the diaspora and officials. Among them was His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who offered the customary prayer and praised the two honorees. Other attendees included Evagelos Savvas, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Washington, and Michalis Firillas, the Consul General of Cyprus in New York. From the Greek side, Ambassador Georgios Sekeris, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Iphigenia Kanara, newly arrived Consul General of Greece in New York, and Mary Vaxevanidou, head of Greece’s Public Diplomacy Office in New York, were present. Also attending was Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas (Lou) Raptakis, who took a brief respite from his intense election campaign for the sake of the Cypriots, and New York State Assemblyman Mike Tannousis. The event was coordinated by Rania Aniftos, a well-known Cypriot journalist from Billboard, who traveled from Los Angeles.
George Logothetis: “I Love Cyprus Very Much! It is a Great Honor to Receive This Award.”
In an exclusive interview with Hellenic News of America before receiving his award, George Logothetis expressed his deep affection for Cyprus. After asking his children for their thoughts on what he should say, he emphasized the special connection he has with Cyprus, having grown up among Cypriots in North London. Many of those he knew still had vivid memories of the invasion. He conveyed his gratitude for the award, noting that while he feels others may deserve it more, he accepts it with great joy!
Mike Manatos on George Logothetis: An Embodiment of Greek Values and Philotimo!
Mike Manatos, head of the Washington OXI Day Foundation and Manatos & Manatos, introduced George Logothetis. He highlighted both Logothetis’s business success and his extensive philanthropic work, stating that millions have benefited from Logothetis’s charitable actions. Manatos emphasized that Logothetis embodies both universal and Greek values, particularly the concept of Philotimo!
Emotional and Moving Speech by George Logothetis
Taking the stage, George Logothetis thanked the Cypriot Federation for the award, stating he accepts it with joy. He spoke about his admiration for Cypriots, commending their ability to turn pain into creativity following devastating circumstances. He often recalls his mother’s wise words: «Κάθε εμπόδιο για καλό, κάθε άνεση για κακό»!
Logothetis shared a poignant memory of meeting Krystala Georgantzi, a child of refugees from Ammochostos who overcame challenges to reach high ranks at the European Central Bank. He expressed his dismay at the image of an empty city and how this meeting left a significant impression on him.
He also recounted the stories of children from various countries facing difficulties who found hope through charitable programs in the USA.
George Logothetis discussed his charitable initiatives related to Greece. He noted that his actions were inspired by the negative perception and accusations Greece faced during the economic crisis. Recalling the skepticism he encountered during his travels, Logothetis channeled his anger into constructive actions to help Greece recover from the crisis. One of his initiatives helps young Greeks study and advance their careers abroad, providing them with valuable opportunities for growth and leadership roles in organizations worldwide.
Another philanthropic effort dear to George Logothetis is combating depression and other challenges faced by young women. This initiative, which began several years ago by his wife, garnered significant success, leading her to present it to then-President Barack Obama.
During the presentation of the Philanthropy Award, Logothetis invited his children for the customary photo, stating that part of the award also belongs to their mother. Both the President of Cyprus and Archbishop Elpidophoros joined him on stage.
Savvas Tsivicos: The Supreme President of AHEPA
Kyriakos Papastylianou, President of the Federation of Cypriot Organizations and a long-time friend of Savvas Tsivicos, introduced the recipient of the Justice for Cyprus Award. Papastylianou reflected on Tsivicos’ childhood and his hard work as a self-made businessman, as well as his unwavering commitment to Cyprus. He highlighted Tsivicos’ current role as Supreme President of AHEPA, where he is dedicated to strengthening this historic organization of Hellenism. Papastylianou humorously remarked that one should check Facebook to find out where Tsivicos is before calling him, to avoid his energetic responses!
In his address, Savvas Tsivicos once again called on Hellenism to stay vigilant. He emphasized that Turkey is testing the endurance of Hellenism in Cyprus. If the Cyprus issue is lost, it will have repercussions for the Aegean islands, maritime sovereignty, and Thrace. He lamented that despite our desire to discuss international law and justice, only interests and power prevail.
Regarding his award, Tsivicos stated that when he helped establish it as a member of the Cypriot Federation, he never imagined he would receive it himself. He expressed gratitude to those present, stating he gladly accepts the award on behalf of all who fight for Cypriot justice.
While Savvas Tsivicos does not harbor illusions about the nature of international relations, he conveyed a sense of optimism, noting that due to current international developments, Cyprus has been geopolitically upgraded and has entered a military cooperation agreement with the USA. This is typically reserved for NATO member countries. Tsivicos suggested that perhaps the planets are finally aligning for the justification of the long-standing struggles for Cyprus.
In a moving conclusion, Tsivicos recited a poem in the dialect of his native Paphos, emphasizing that no one can destroy Hellenism, regardless of the efforts throughout history, due to its unique relationship with the divine!
Philip Christopher: “I Will Only Stop Talking About Kyrenia When I Die!”
In his remarks, Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA, praised the honorees and spoke passionately about President Christodoulides’ relationship with the Cypriot diaspora in the USA. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for Cyprus and advocating for the return to Kyrenia, stating that despite the exhaustion from the long struggle, he will not stop advocating until he leaves this world.
Nikos Christodoulides: “The Bonds Between the Diaspora and Cyprus are Eternal”
In his keynote address, President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted his special relationship with New York, stemming from his studies at **Queens College**, and praised the role of the Cypriot diaspora in the struggle for Cyprus. Addressing the ongoing challenges, he emphasized that 50 years after the tragic events of 1974, the situation cannot continue as it is. He stated that no one can accept the status quo, and it is the responsibility of all to strive for change, not only for the victims and fighters of the Cypriot cause but also for future generations. President Christodoulides noted Cyprus’s entry into a select group of countries engaged in such military cooperation with the USA, and he concluded with a powerful call to action:
“Half a century since the dark summer of 1974, let us choose not to remain in sorrow and disappointment but to act with greater persistence and determination to do more for the liberation of our homeland. We bear the primary responsibility to do everything possible to free our land.”
