By Catherine Tsounis
Mattituck, located 80 miles from Astoria, NY, is a tranquil summer enclave attracting Greek-Americans yearning for a taste of their homeland. While the town hibernates from late Fall to Spring, its heartbeat pulses through church, school, and the local library, hosting community events.
An extraordinary cultural affair unfolded on Sunday, April 21, from 12-2 PM at Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church of Mattituck, 1950 Breakwater Road. Esteemed international scholars and experts convened to dissect the essence of Ambassador Dionyssios Kalambrezos’ book “Virtual Nightmare” on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Notable speakers included Dr. Nicholas Alexiou, Dr. George C. Giakos, Dr. Alexandros Graikos, and Ambassador Kalambrezos. Moderating the event were Marika Andreola-Paleos and Hellenic-American Taxpayers & Civic Association (HATCAST) President Nick Paleos.
A reception followed, generously sponsored by Rev. Andrew Cadieux, President Anna Flossos of the parish council, and Hellenic-American Taxpayers & Civic Association of Southold Township (HATCAST). Together, Transfiguration Church and HATCAST etched history by assembling leading international experts in Mattituck. Chris Shaskin, Secretary of the Mattituck Park District, represented the local town.
Ambassador Dionyssios Kalambrezos, Ph.D., offered insights into the European Union, United Nations, and the Greek government. Hailing from Zakynthos, he holds degrees in law and is the Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations. With a diplomatic career intertwined with literature, he has authored numerous books, articles, and papers.
The book “Virtual Nightmare” unfolds in a futuristic New York, where artificial intelligence, digitization, cyberattacks, and immigration dominate the landscape. Against the backdrop of pandemics, conflicts, and energy crises, the narrative navigates through the establishment of a new era of security and prosperity. Central to the storyline are strangers creating a virtual realm, drawing unsuspecting Internet users into a web of intrigue. As the plot thickens, government officials, researchers, activists, and a mysterious woman are embroiled in an evolving saga across both the real and virtual worlds.
Scholars elucidated on the fundamental importance of AI, its operational dynamics, and the risks of technological usurpation in business. As AI infiltrates the workplace, proper employee training becomes imperative. It is imperative to shape policies safeguarding customer relations and sensitive information.
Businesses are leveraging AI for marketing, customer communication, and problem-solving. Its ubiquity demands universal adoption, with AI advisors becoming indispensable. Despite its transformative potential, AI poses challenges such as fake content proliferation and cybersecurity risks. However, its efficacy in problem-solving, cost reduction, and data interpretation is undeniable.
The event was a collaboration of various organizations, including the World Federation of Cephalonian & Ithacian Societies ‘Odysseus,’ Hellenic American National Council, and AHI, among others. Under the auspices of esteemed institutions like the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Queens College, CUNY, the event marked a historic convergence of intellects at Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Mattituck, Long Island.
