AHI Hosts Milestone 50th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner & Historic Concert With Mario Frangoulis
No. 49
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its 50th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner, at the Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C., April 13, 2024.
The evening’s program honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career achievements and contributions to the Greek American community and to society. They were:
Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, Founder, CEO and Co-Chairman of AKT Investments Inc., who received the AHI Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award; and
Caterina Papoulias-Sakellaris, retired Business Executive and Philanthropist, who received the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award.
Cathy Papoulias-Sakellaris accepting the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award, presented by AHI President Nick Larigakis, AHI Chairman James Lagos, and AHI Vice Chairman and Gala Weekend Chairman Nick Chimicles.
John Sitilides accepting the AHI Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, presented by AHI President Nick Larigakis, AHI Chairman James Lagos, and AHI Vice Chairman and Gala Weekend Chairman Nick Chimicles.
The program also included special presentations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Institute’s founding that included the 15-minute short video, “AHI at 50,” narrated by “This Week” Host and “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor George Stephanopoulos and co-executive produced by veteran broadcast and media professional, Larry Michael, and AHI President Nick Larigakis.
Former AHI Legislative Director and current AHI Board Member Georgea Polizos introduced Mike Emanuel, chief Washington correspondent for Fox News, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Marines of Headquarters Battalion presented the colors, and Vocalist Maria Pearce performed Greek national anthem. “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band enthralled the audience with their masterful interpretations of patriotic anthems and the national anthem. Father Konstantinos Pavlakos of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, Va., offered the invocation and benediction. Apollonia provided musical entertainment.
AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos, Esq., and AHI Board Vice Chairman Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq., who chaired the AHI Gala Weekend, greeted the audience. They offered their fond recollections about AHI’s late founder, Eugene T. Rossides.
Lagos explained that 50 years ago, “the Honorable Eugene Rossides founded the American Hellenic Institute with the primary goal of promoting the Rule of Law in international relations concerning Cyprus and Greece and that he dedicated the rest of his life to this noble case.” Lagos recounted Rossides always started his arguments with, “It is in the best interests of the United States that…” Rossides and his allies spent years promoting the Rule of Law at countless congressional hearings, seminars, meetings and in numerous publications. He spent countless hours writing a 90-page summary of the Rule of Law pertaining to Cyprus titled, "Cyprus and the Rule of Law" by Eugene T. Rossides (syr.edu) published by the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce, Volume 17, Number 1, Spring 1991. Lagos added that Rossides was especially appalled by the fact that Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the American Machiavelli, worked against the Rule of Law in international relations concerning Cyprus and Greece.
“Rossides went to his death with the sole disappointment that he had not lived to see a Cyprus free of the illegal occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops,” Lagos said.
Lagos called on the attendees to continue the sacred work of Eugene Rossides to its lawful conclusion.
Chimicles recounted the first time he met Rossides 30 years ago at an AHI reception held in the Philadelphia City Hall’s Mayor’s Reception Room. He specifically recounted two takeaways: first, Rossides’ vigor and enthusiasm, befitting a former college All American quarterback who led his Columbia University football team to victory over an Army Cadets team that had won 32 consecutive games in 1947; and second, how committed Rossides was to the principle of the rule of law, not just as it related to Turkey’s 1974 illegal invasion of Cyprus, but to international relations more generally.
Chimicles noted that besides in Cyprus, the rule of law is currently being violated or threatened on a global basis in such places as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s threatened invasion of Taiwan, China’s border disputes with India, Guatemala’s border incursions into Belize, and Azerbaijan’s war with Armenia. He added that the threat to the rule of law is not solely a matter of international concern, but that it is under assault domestically as well. Chimicles concluded by asking the 400-plus attendees to toast the legacy that Gene Rossides imparted to our community through the establishment of AHI and its mission to defend the rule of law.
In opening remarks, President Nick R. Larigakis conveyed appreciation to AHI’s benefactors and staff for their dedication to the Institute, and he congratulated the honorees, noting their excellence, unwavering devotion to Hellenism, and serving others as reasons for their achieving Hellenic exceptionalism. He also touched upon AHI’s accomplishments in 2023 as well as highlighting five decades of advocacy for the rule of law.
In reaffirming AHI’s commitment to its mission, Larigakis stated the community also “must not lose sight on calling for religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarch and the reopening school of theology…. The Ecumenical Patriarch continues to be suffocated and under siege.”
He concluded: “As I stand before you, I can promise that the mission and vision of our founder, Gene Rossides, will continue to be carried forward, for the work is not done. New opportunities and many new challenges lie ahead, but the work of promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean must and will continue. We will never, ever rest, until the founding premise of this organization finally comes to a successful resolution—that of a Cyprus that is whole, free, and at peace.”
Honorees Pay Homage to Upholding the Rule of Law
Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, who is the Founder, CEO and Co-Chairman of AKT Investments Inc., received the AHI Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award. Although he was unable to attend, he delivered acceptance remarks via a video greeting. His daughter, Lt. Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis, joined him on the video to introduce him. She lauded his life’s work toward the advancement of Hellenism and strengthening of U.S.-Greece relations and saluted AHI on its 50th anniversary stating the Institute is more impactful than ever under the leadership of President Larigakis.
“My heart is with you,” Angelo Tsakopoulos said. “It is a privilege to be involved with the American Hellenic Institute that Gene Rossides established 50 years ago…What a dream he had to work hard to educate the American people about the importance of Hellenism…and all is aspects, especially the rule of law. Larigakis has done a wonderful job to carry on Mr. Rossides’ dream. Our family pledges support for the Center for many years to come. We appreciate all of your involvement for the sake of preserving democracy and the rule of law all over the world. Thank you very much for your involvement in this wonderful institution.”
Trilogy Advisors Principal John Sitilides, who affectionately described Tsakopoulos as “my philosophical mentor, in many ways a second father,” accepted the award on his behalf. Sitilides credited Tsakopoulos as “perhaps the single greatest American contributor to the advancement of U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus of the past half century.”
He added, “…here in Washington, D.C., within the realm of U.S. politics and foreign policy, Angelo has for decades been an unswerving advocate for reason, logic, and decency in our domestic dialogues, and for the rule of law in our conduct abroad - as Eugene Rossides, the American Hellenic Institute, and the AHI Foundation, with Angelo's son Kyriakos Tsakopoulos as a long-standing Trustee - have so effectively promoted for decades, especially as it regards Greece and Cyprus amid the geopolitically fragile and complex crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean, northern Africa, the Balkan and Black Sea regions, and the Middle East.”
Retired Business Executive and Philanthropist Caterina Papoulias-Sakellaris received the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award.
Known as Cathy to her friends and family, she delivered a moving acceptance speech. To start, she recalled the two stories that led her to be an activist for Greece and Cyprus and to have the deepest reverence for her Hellenic roots.
The first, recounted how, together with her sister, Cynthia, almost got arrested in Greece during the Junta regime.
“We were going through Athens, busloads of kids, and I decided that everyone should start chanting "Dinami ston kosmo (Δηναμι στον κοσμο)," which means power to the people,” she recounted. “And we were yelling and screaming this, and we got pulled over by the police. And we were lucky that priests on the bus were able to negotiate and not arrest us. They wanted to arrest us.”
The second anecdote centered on the rule of law.
“…in 1974, a group of young students, high school students, organized a hunger strike to support Cyprus,” she explained. “And I was a member of that hunger strike. And I don’t think we ate for five days. We marched up and down the street. streets of Boston, and I didn't really realize it. I think I'm a political activist.”
Papoulias-Sakellaris expressed with sentiment that AHI represents one of her most important values, φιλοτιμο, meaning to give back in pursuit of making positive change to the community.
“I’d like to congratulate AHI on reaching this amazing 50 year milestone,” she said. “The American Hellenic Institute represents one of my most important values, φιλοτιμο. We interpret this to mean giving back, being a good citizen, the pursuit of knowledge, and most importantly, having pride in what everything one does. These ideas and values are innate to being Greek.”
As she expressed her gratitude for receiving the award, Papoulias-Sakellaris reflected on all of those who shaped her to be where she is today; pointing to our similar Hellenistic backgrounds that all unite us under one body, or as she puts it, how, “We are one Oikogeneia (οικογενεια).” Being linked together by our unique traditions, values, religion, food, and above all, culture has ultimately reflected the strength of the current Greek American Diaspora.
She remarked, “And tonight, this is not my award. I have met amazing people here this week who are building museums with their own money, who are promoting our music, saving our music, our poetry, building churches, doing educational scholarships. This award belongs to each and every one of you, and I hope you'll accept it with me.”
Of all her influences though, Papoulias-Sakellaris cited her father as the most important one, the true embodiment of φιλοτιμο. She described her childhood in Boston; how her father pushed her to be a model citizen and to honor her heritage by attending church, increasing her involvement in the Greek community. Most importantly, her father taught her how to be selfless, and when he sadly passed away when she was eleven, she learned of all the ways he gave back without asking for anything in return.
“My father thought that America was a place where Hellenism could thrive, and where Greek values like passion, kindness, education, and perseverance could help us find success,” she said. “My siblings and I could be successful, not in spite of being Greek, but because we were Greeks.”
Today, she seeks to carry on his memory and pursue φιλοτιμο to the best of her potential, passing along the ideal to generations of Greek Americans to come. With eloquence and grace, Cathy and George Sakellaris accept the award, commemorating all of AHI’s instrumental work in forging strong ties between the United States, Greece, and Cyprus.
Video Tributes, Excerpts from Congratulatory Letters
AHI’s 50th anniversary and the honorees’ many accomplishments were celebrated throughout the evening and highlighted in congratulatory video tributes and letters from prominent government, religious, and other public officials.
Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America provided video tributes, and a special message from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was read to the audience.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ Video Tribute
President Nikos Christodoulides’ Video Tribute
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Video Tribute
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew wrote: “…we express our deepest gratitude and congratulations to the AHI from the Sacred Center of Orthodoxy for its unmatched perseverance in advocating for the protection of religious freedom and of the Holy Great Church of Christ in Constantinople. In closing, we extend our paternal and Patriarchal blessing to all those present, and we commend the AHI for its tireless efforts to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in pursuing justice and the common good.”
• Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s letter
President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou wrote: “I am pleased to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Hellenic Institute. 2024 is a special year, since it marks 50 years since the restoration of Democracy in Greece, but also the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, an event that continues to hurt us to this day. Since its establishment, AHI has promoted the strengthening of relations between Greece, Cyprus and the USA, playing an important role in issues concerning the Greek American community. And it has evolved, thanks to the systematic work and collective effort of its members, as well as its Board of Directors, into a valuable and dynamic body of Greek American dialogue, which defends democracy and the state of law.”
• President Sakellaropoulou’s letter (English)
• President Sakellaropoulou’s letter (Greek)
Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote: “Since its inception, the American Hellenic Institute has been one of the most vocal and dedicated advocates of Hellenism in the United States. Today, as we honor this milestone, I wish to express my profound appreciation for the invaluable contributions the American Hellenic Institute has made in strengthening Greek-American relations. Its work has been especially important given the deepening strategic relationship between Greece and the United States in recent years.”
• Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ letter
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides wrote: “In the wake of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, Gene Rossides founded the American Hellenic Institute aiming to enforce the rule of law in the case of Cyprus, an effort which directly led to the unprecedented US arms embargo against Turkey. Since then, the American Hellenic Institute has developed into a leading organization upholding the rule of law in U.S. foreign policy as regards to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean region…I am also pleased to note that the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States are going from strength to strength as the strategic cooperation between the two sides further deepens and expands. AHI’s contribution to this has been and continues to be of paramount importance.”
• President Christodoulides’ letter
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America wrote: “For half a century, AHI has served as a tireless beacon of support and advocacy for Greece, Cyprus and the global Hellenic community. This year, of course, marks the semicentennial of your Institute’s establishment by the great Gene Rossides, who founded AHI in direct response to the illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkish forces fifty years ago. Since then, your respected organization has never ceased raising awareness on critical international issues of paramount importance for Hellenes and Philhellenes alike. And this has led to a proud lineage of valiant Greek-American titans who have served our Omogenia and its interests with the utmost passion, dedication and commitment.”
• Archbishop Elpidophoros’ letter
U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic George J. Tsunis wrote: “We celebrate our strong and enduring friendship with Greece and our shared democratic values, which are now more important than ever. Both nations benefit from the support of organizations like AHI that are dedicated to bringing our two nations even closer together. I thank you for the work you do, and I wish you my heartfelt congratulations on the fiftieth anniversary of your founding.”
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Ekaterini Nassika wrote: “One behalf of the Embassy of Greece to the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) on reaching the significant milestone of fifty years of advocacy on Greek related issues. I commend AHI for raising awareness about Greece and Cyprus, bringing national attention to issues of concern to the Greek American community, and ultimately helping to shape relevant policies.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva wrote: “The story of the formation of the American Hellenic Institute continues to inspire us all. The brutal military invasion of Cyprus by Turkey in 1974 galvanized the Hellenic community in the United States to take decisive action and to demand from the US Government and US legislators to hold Turkey responsible and to face substantial consequences for illegal and immoral acts. Gene Rossides and the American Hellenic Institute were of course instrumental in this effort by putting the principle of the rule of law front and center in their outreach.”
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote: “For five decades, the AHI has served as an advocate for and support the Greek American community. AHI’s focus on public policy and work is critical now more than ever, and I am proud to partner in our continued efforts to address pressing issues in U.S. foreign relations with Greece and her neighbors.”
U.S. Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis, co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues wrote: “This milestone anniversary highlights AHI’s remarkable work as a premier think tank. Since Turkey’s brutal invasion of Cyprus, AHI has worked tirelessly to highlight the rule of law in U.S. foreign policy engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean. I commend the American Hellenic Institute on its meaningful work facilitating good relations between Greece, Cyprus, and the United States. These efforts have served as a strong bond for the Hellenic community and as an invaluable source for Philhellenes who seek to perpetuate the cornerstones of Hellenism: justice and democracy… I am prouder than ever to be a Greek-American and am so thankful that AHI exists to perpetuate all that is good and true about our culture.”
• Congressman Bilirakis’ letter
U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues wrote: “This event celebrates leaders committed to both supporting the Greek-American community and advancing the United States’s common interests and cooperation with Greece, Cyprus, and our partners in the Eastern Mediterranean. AHI President Nick Larigakis has played a critical role in advancing Hellenic priorities in the United States, and I commend his outstanding leadership along with AHI’s decades-long advocacy efforts.”
Dina Titus, vice co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues wrote: “As a Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee, and a Greek American legislator, I am grateful to have frequent opportunities to discuss issues of importance to the AHI community. I have personally witnessed the effective advocacy of AHI to strengthen Eastern Mediterranean security by supporting the 3+1 diplomatic framework, reinforcing U.S. bilateral relations with Greece and Cyprus, taking a clear-eyed approach to relations with Turkey, and safeguarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
U.S. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis wrote: “I am honored to congratulate Angelo K. Tsakopoulos and Caterina Papoulias-Sakellaris on receiving the American Hellenic Institute Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award and the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award, respectively. These recognitions are a testament to their leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to the Hellenic community.
• Congresswoman Malliotakis’ letter
U.S. Congressman John P. Sarbanes wrote: “Each year, AHI gathers to celebrate individuals whose leadership and commitment has been integral to the Greek American community and AHI's furtherance of the shared interests of the United States, Greece, Cyprus, Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. This year's awardees are part of the robust Greek American history of service, and I am delighted that their important work is receiving recognition.”
• Congressman Sarbanes’ letter
U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui wrote: “AHI has long stood as a pillar of the Greek American community, fostering the ties that connect us to Greece, Cyprus, and the broader Hellenic diaspora. By honoring individuals like Mr. Tsakopoulos and Ms. Papoulias-Sakellaris, AHI continues to highlight the contributions of Greek Americans to our country.”
• Congresswoman Matsui’s letter
Click here for complete bios of the honorees, a listing of our generous benefactors and sponsors to whom we are grateful, the congratulatory letters in their entirety, and AHI’s Annual Report—all of which are found in the Awards Dinner Journal.
Special guests attending the awards dinner included: Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva, and U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes.
Mario Frangoulis Kicks off AHI 50th Anniversary Weekend With Spectacular Concert at Historic Warner Theater
In addition to its 50th Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner, AHI also commemorated its milestone with a concert at the historic Warner Theater. The performance was headlined by the internationally acclaimed classical crossover tenor Mario Frangoulis, who was joined by up-and-coming soprano Theresa Carlomagno.
Mario Frangoulis, born in Africa and raised in Greece, has captivated audiences with 22 albums and 7.5 million in sales, showcasing his mastery in classical crossover music to popular musical theater and other genres, all whilst singing in five different languages. Having performed on some of the most prestigious stages worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall (London), Dallas Opera, Orchestra Hall Chicago, La Scala (Italy) to numerous collaborations, Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo, Justin Hayward (Moody Blues), Smokey Robinson and others, Frangoulis now returned to Washington to perform a variety of emblematic and favorite songs of some of the greatest composers.
As the Global Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans since 2005, Mario Frangoulis advocates for scholarships to support young people facing adversity in pursuing higher education. Frangoulis’s commitment to humanitarian causes extends to organizations such as Unesco’s Youth in Greece, WCCCI, Unicef’s “Fostering a Child” and cancer awareness programs.
Theresa Carlomagno’s repertoire includes notable portrayals of characters such as Adele in Die Fledermaus and Adina in Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore. Her recent acclaimed portrayal of Adina in Norma for the 100 years of Maria Callas opposite Frangoulis as Pollione, demonstrated her deep reverence and respect for the composer’s intent, infusing her performances with emotional depth and musical finesse.
Mario Frangoulis and Theresa Carlomagno were accompanied by the Warner Theatre Studio Orchestra conducted by Maestro Stathis Soulis.
At the conclusion of the concert, AHI President Nick Larigakis, accompanied by members of the AHI board of directors and staff, presented Frangoulis with a plaque to honor his achievements, his philanthropic work, and his excellent commemoration of AHI’s 50th anniversary.
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at www.americanhellenicinstitute.org
