AHI Honors U.S. Ambassador, Prominent Philanthropists at 20th Annual Athens Awards Dinner
(L-R) AHIF Chairman Leon Andris, AHI Chairman James Lagos, AHI President Nick Larigakis, and AHI Athens Chapter President Vice Admiral Vasilis Kyriazis (ret., H.N.) presenting AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award to U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis (center)
(L-R) AHIF Chairman Leon Andris, AHI Chairman James Lagos, AHI President Nick Larigakis, and AHI Athens Chapter President Vice Admiral Vasilis Kyriazis (ret., H.N.) presenting AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement & Philanthropy Award to Athanasios and Marina Martinos (center)
No. 5
ATHENS, GREECE - The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) held its 20th Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner at The Grande Bretagne, December 10, 2024.
The dinner featured the presentation of two prestigious AHI awards, each recognizing exceptional contributions to both Hellenic culture and public service.
The AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award was bestowed upon U.S. Ambassador to Greece George James Tsunis, for his distinguished public service career and tireless efforts to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Greece.
The Ambassador praised his fellow honorees, telling AHI President Nick Larigakis that they were "more deserving recipients." In his acceptance speech, he expressed deep gratitude to the Greeks for their contributions to democracy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding freedom and equality for all, and concluded by stating it was “an honor to serve” in Greece.
Athanasios J. and Marina Martinos received AHI’s Hellenic Heritage Achievement & Philanthropy Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the maritime industry, their unwavering dedication to philanthropy, and their steadfast support for the preservation of Orthodoxy and Hellenic culture.
In a video, Athanasios and Marina Martinos shared their life and philanthropic efforts, including their support for Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. At the podium, Athanasios Martinos thanked AHI and President Larigakis for the honor and the Institute’s work to strengthen ties between the diaspora and Greece.
U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis giving acceptance remarks after receiving AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award.
Athanasios Martinos delivering acceptance remarks, on behalf of himself and his wife Marina Martinos, after receiving AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement & Philanthropy Award.
In his address to the audience, President Larigakis expressed gratitude to those involved in the Institute’s 50th anniversary events across the U.S., Cyprus, and Greece; acknowledged the AHI-Athens Chapter leadership by recognizing the important work and contributions of the chapter’s president, Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis (ret.) H.N. Continuing his remarks, he said:
“Tonight, we honor three such eminent personalities whose lives of personal, professional and philanthropic accomplishments bring great credit to their families, their heritage and to the Hellenic ideals we hold so dear.
Ambassador George Tsunis has served as U.S. Ambassador to Greece since 2022, fostering U.S.-Greece ties through educational and environmental partnerships. His passionate advocacy successfully elevated Greece’s profile as a study destination. Prior to his Ambassadorship, he was a prominent lawyer and businessman who held influential roles in New York’s civic and healthcare sectors and is widely honored for his notable humanitarian and civic contributions.
Athanasios and Marina Martinos are esteemed figures in Greece’s maritime industry, whose impressive legacy of accomplishment is further enhanced by their remarkable passion for philanthropy. Their foundation supports a broad spectrum of global initiatives in health, education, and culture, enhancing quality of life and preserving Greek heritage worldwide.
Our distinguished honoree’s dedication to societal advancement through their achievements and service is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hellenic principles. Their efforts not only shape the present but will continue to influence the future, fostering the growth of wisdom, initiative, and generosity. In honoring their work, we not only pay tribute to their contributions but also uphold the values they embody, ensuring the essence of Hellenism remains a vital force in our world.”
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Giorgos Kotsiras providing remarks.
AHI President Nick Larigakis providing remarks.
More than 300 people attended the gala dinner Serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Fanis Papathanasiou, Senior Diplomatic Correspondent for ERT TV.
Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Kotsiras represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and conveyed warm appreciation for AHI’s 50 years of “important and systemic work” on key policy issues and its contributions to strengthen U.S.-Greece relations.
AHI-Athens Chapter President retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis welcomed the attendees and AHI Chairman of the Board James H. Lagos, Esq., conveyed greetings.
AHI President Nick Larigakis escorting U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis to the ballroom. Also pictured is Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament.
View of ballroom.
Officials in attendance included: Minister of Migration and Asylum Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides, Minister of Health Adonis Georgiades, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs Stafanos Gikas, Mr. Philippos Fortomas, Chair of the Special Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Greeks Abroad, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, various other members of the Hellenic Parliament, the President of the Academy of Athens, renowned Greek American scientist Stamatios Krimigis, Mrs. Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mrs. Maria dG Olson, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Captain Panayiotis Tsakos, Symeon G. Tsomokos, Founder & President of the Delphi Economic Forum, and representing Archbishop Ieronimos of Athens and All Greece, Arch. Varnavas Theoharis.
Thank you, Sponsors!
Grand Benefactors: Nike & James H. Lagos, Springfield, Ohio; Public Power Corporation S.A. (DEH), Magdaline & Paun Peters, Ft. Worth, Texas; and Sophia & Angelo Tsakopoulos, Sacramento, California.
Benefactor: Jim & Ted Pedas, Washington, D.C.
President’s Circle: G.C. Economou and Associates, Athens; Maria & Isidoros Garifalakis and Family, Vancouver, Washington; Berit & Steve Veletsis, Alexandria, Virginia; Aeroservices; and The ELLINIKON.
Chairman’s Circle: EFA Group; Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc.; The American Club; Akmon, S.A.; Costa Navarino Residences; and The International Propeller Club of the United States.
Sponsors: Dr. Helen Abadzi & Theodore Vakrinos, Alexandria, Virginia; Aegean; The American College of Greece; Kapotas S.A.; and Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens.
Supporters: Robyn & Leon Andris, Washington, D.C.; Georgia & Demitrios Halakos, Greenville, Delaware; K. Arvanitis S.A.; and Box Mind Business Consultants.
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The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit U.S. public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen U.S. relations with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, and promote issues important to 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 http://www.ahiworld.org.
