AHI Wraps Up Year-Long 50th Anniversary Celebrations with Landmark Trip to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus
AHI delegation with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
AHI delegation with President of the Hellenic Parliament Constantine An. Tassoulas at the Hellenic Parliament in Athens.
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WASHINGTON, DC - The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) proudly embarked on a special, historic trip to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus to conclude the year-long celebrations of the Institute’s 50th anniversary. This milestone journey occurred November 30 to December 11, 2024, and brought together a group of AHI members and board members to experience the cultural, historical, and political highlights of both countries. The trip included a series of meetings with high-level officials and culminated with AHI’s 20th Annual Athens Dinner on December 10.
"As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the American Hellenic Institute, this historic trip to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between our nations and our peoples,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “We basked in the appreciation of Greek and Cypriot culture and history and marked the ongoing struggle for justice for the Republic of Cyprus and for peace in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe. This trip serves as a renewal of our commitment to advocating for the rule of law and promoting the interests of the U.S.”
The Republic of Cyprus: Marking 50 Solemn Years of Injustice and Division
The trip began in the Republic of Cyprus where the delegation stayed from November 30 to December 4.
December 2 marked a focal point of the the Republic of Cyprus visitation, highlighted by lengthy meetings with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and a defense policy briefing by Minister of Defense Vasillis Palmas and the Republic of Cyprus' chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas.
The AHI delegation meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides.
The packed day included meetings with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris and His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios of the Republic of Cyprus, who also hosted the delegation for a luncheon at the archdiocese.
The group participated at an emotional wreath-laying ceremony at the Makedonitissa Tomb and at a gathering with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Julie D. Fisher at the Ambassador's Residence. In the evening, Lt. Gen. Tsitsikostas hosted a formal dinner at the National Guard Officer’s Club in Nicosia, offering another opportunity for participants to engage with Cypriot officials and military officers.
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Julie D. Fisher addressing the AHI family trip delegation at a social gathering she hosted at the Ambassador's Residence.
AHI delegation with the President of the Republic of Cyprus House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou inside the House of Representatives.
The balance of the the Republic of Cyprus itinerary explored the history of the island, including the humanitarian and physical scars that remain from the Turkish invasion 50 years ago and learning about the Republic of Cyprus’s religious significance; and provided further engagement with government officials.
President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus Annita Demetriou met with the group at the House of Representatives and hosted a luncheon.
Ambassador of Greece to the Republic of Cyprus Ioannis Papameletiou hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence in Nicosia.
Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos also met with the group.
Titina Loizidou provided a presentation on the history of the Republic of Cyprus.
The delegation visited the iconic Kykkos Monastery, one of the Republic of Cyprus’ most renowned religious sites, and they attended a luncheon hosted by Mitropoliti Kykkou & Tillirias at the monastery.
Ambassador Leonidas Pantelides, who is the appointed representative of the Greek Cypriot Community on the Committee of Missing Persons in the Republic of Cyprus, discussed the ongoing efforts and challenges to identifying the remaining missing persons from the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Afterward, they visited the old Nicosia International Airport, located in the United Nations buffer zone, where time has “stood still” since the invasion.
The group enjoyed a private viewing of the A.G. Leventis Art Gallery.
Finally, a farewell dinner was hosted by the Service of Overseas and Repatriated Cypriots.
AHI delegation with the Republic of Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Constantinos Kombos.
AHI President Nick Larigakis presenting the Republic of Cyprus Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris with AHI 50th Anniversary Plaque at the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
AHI delegation with the Republic of Cyprus Minister of Defense Mr. Vasillis Palmas at the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Defense.
In Greece, AHI’s Message Broadcasted Nationwide
The delegation arrived in Athens on December 4, and in the evening, U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis hosted a formal dinner at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence to welcome the group and foster a discussion on U.S.-Greece relations.
The delegation attended a church service at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, followed by a tour of the Museum of the Metropolis, on December 8.
After the service, the head priest and presiding Bishop, recognized AHI and its work, and invited President Nick Larigakis to address the congregation.
ERT’s broadcast of the service and Larigakis' address allowed AHI’s message to reach a nationwide audience.
Moreover, that day, the group laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. In the evening, General Dimitrios Choupis, chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, hosted a formal dinner at the Downtown Officers Club in Athens.
General Choupis also presented a detailed defense policy briefing at the Greek Pentagon on December 10.
AHI delegation outside the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
AHI delegation receiving briefing from Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis and other chiefs of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff.
AHI delegation outside Hellenic Navy frigate HS AEGEAN.
Hellenic Parliament Committee Convenes in Honor of Delegation
On December 5, the delegation attended a session of the Hellenic Parliament’s Standing Committee on Greeks Abroad, chaired by Filippos Fortomas, specifically convened in the delegation’s honor.
President Larigakis and AHI-Athens Chapter President Vasileios Kyriazis addressed the committee from the podium, and members of the AHI delegation also were given the opportunity to address the committee.
Several members of Parliament representing different political parties in Greece attended the committee’s session. They addressed the committee about the work of the AHI and the overall importance of the Greek American community in fostering strong relations between Greece and the United States.
Prior to the committee session, the delegation received a private guided tour of the Parliament building.
Moreover, a highlight of the Athens portion of the trip was a lengthy meeting with President of the Greek Parliament Konstantinos Tasoulas, who graciously gave of his time and invited the delegation into his private office.
The day at the Hellenic Parliament concluded with a wonderful luncheon at the world-famous Milos Restaurant, hosted by Chairman Filippos Fortomas.
The evening offered a dinner at Myrtia Taverna hosted by President Larigakis on the occasion of his Name Day. In fact, the week-long itinerary afforded the group an opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas and Greece’s naval heritage by participating at a special ceremony held at the Naval Academy of Piraeus on December 6. There, the group visited the harbor of Piraeus and toured the Hellenic Navy frigate HS AGEAN.
AHI delegation in the main chamber of the Hellenic Parliament.
(L-R) AHIF Chairman Leon Andris, AHI Athens Chapter President Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis (ret.) H.N., AHI President Nick Larigakis, President of the Hellenic Parliament Constantine An. Tassoulas, AHI Executive Director Zac Cotronakis, AHI Legislative Director Alexander Christofor, presenting presenting AHI 50th Anniversary Plaque.
Additional highlights in Greece included:
A dinner hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras at the Acropolis Museum.
An audience with His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.
A VIP tour of the world renown Acropolis Museum.
A briefing about the work of the Academy of Athens given by Dr. Stamatios Krimigis, president of the Academy of Athens, and longtime AHI member. Dr. Krimigis also hosted a reception for the group.
Greece’s itinerary culminated with the 20th Annual Athens Awards dinner at The Grande Bretagne on December 10. AHI honored U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis for his distinguished public service and efforts to strengthen U.S.-Greece relations, along with Athanasios J. and Marina Martinos for their exceptional contributions to the maritime industry, philanthropy, and support of Orthodoxy and Hellenic culture. (separate press release forthcoming).
Delegation Participants & Special Thanks
The historic AHI family trip delegation was comprised of: AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis; AHI Foundation Board Chairman Leon Andris and his wife, Robyn; AHI Board Chairman James Lagos, Esq.; AHI Board Member Kostas Alexakis; AHI Board Member Maria Wills, and her husband, Don; AHI Board Member Demetrios Halakos, and his wife, Georgia; AHI-Athens Chapter President Vasileios Kyriazis, and his wife, Konstantina; AHI Board Member Elias Gerasoulis, Nikos Bezianis, spouse of an AHI Foundation board member; AHI Executive Director Zachary Cotronakis, and his wife, Maria; AHI Legislative Director Alexander Christofor; longtime AHI supporters Stavros and Berit Veletsis; longtime AHI supporters Isidoros and Maria Garifalakis; and close friends of AHI, Emanuel and Elaine Cotronakis.
“My sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who helped make this historic trip for AHI a memorable and successful one,” President Larigakis said. “A special thanks and acknowledgement go to AHI-Athens Chapter President Vasileios Kyriazis, who provided invaluable support for the Athens portion of the trip.”
PHOTO GALLERY: GREECE
PHOTO GALLERY: THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
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.
