No. 6

By Constantine S. Sirigos

ATHENS – Following a dynamic 2025 and preparing to make ever greater impact inspired by a banner anniversary year – 250 years since the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the birth of modern Greece’s first governor, Ioannis Capodistrias, and 200 years since the bitter but galvanizing third siege and tragedy of Messolonghi, The American Hellenic Institute’s (AHI) Athens chapter hosted a Vasilopita cutting on January 23. The eagerly awaited annual Vasilopita event also featured a wonderful buffet dinner at the Officer’s Club in the Greek Capital on January 23.

*AHI President Nick Larigakis offering the closing remarks*

The guests filling the ballroom were welcomed by Chapter President, retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis, and closing remarks and New Year’s greetings were offered by AHI’s President and CEO Nicholas Larigakis.

AHI is a non-profit Greek-American public policy center and think tank whose core mission is to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community. Retired Vice Admiral Kyriazis presented a summary of its history – spotlighting its Founder, the late Eugene T. Rossides, and current activities in Washington, DC and Greece. He also thanked the event’s sponsors.

Ioannis Loverdos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was invited to the podium and offered his perspective on the world situation faced by Greece and the United States: “We find ourselves at the beginning of a New Year that promises provocations for the whole world – but also provocations and tests for Hellenism,” which lives in a difficult neighborhood.” He then paused, and looking at the audience, he declared: “above all, we must think about our country whatever we do and wherever we are.”

He also offered praise to Hellenes Abroad, saying that “despite challenges, Hellenes of the Diaspora are the best parts of Hellenism.” He noted how deeply impressed he was during his first official Diaspora trips and emphasized the importance not only of supporting later-generation Hellenes, but also of cultivating philhellenes.

Loverdos gave special emphasis to the annual AHI Foundation College Student Foreign Policy Trip that over three weeks helps American college students better understand core foreign policy issues. “Of the twelve students, none knew Greek….but when at the closing dinner each spoke about his or her impressions, you couldn’t believe how emotional they became…how impressed they were with the new Greece they found, and they were very proud to be of Greek descent.

*Past AHI Athens Chapter President George C. Economou* presented an informative overview of today’s geopolitical realities

They discovered that “Greece is not only about the past, but the present and the future….and these Hellenes – are our ambassadors around the world” – a priceless contribution to the homeland by AHI and the other Diaspora organizations that have such programs.

Past chapter president George C. Economou picked up on Loverdos’ warnings and presented an informative overview of today’s geopolitical realities.

Larigakis began his speech by thanking Kyriazis and Economou for their substantial contributions to the Chapter, and then emphasized AHI’s core mission. He noted “that entails a lot of day-to-day work, reaching out and speaking to the centers of power in Washington” – but he clarified that “we are not a lobby of the Greek and Cyprus government – we are an America-based organization…we speak as Americans but we feel that 99.9% of what we say” about the Greece’s contributions to U.S. national security – especially bases like Souda Bay – “are also good for Greece and Cyprus.”

He also echoed Loverdos in emphasizing outreach not only to Greek-Americans, but philhellenes – which makes our community stronger.

“Of all the things we do,” he stressed, perhaps the most important is “educating the next generation of Greek-Americans on our issues, and to be able to have them advocate, and be ambassadors, as the Deputy Minister noted. I am also very heartened to see that other organizations… have” followed AHI’s lead “and created their own brands of programs to bring students to Greece.” He added though, that “we are the only ones who take them to Cyprus. They see with their own eyes what the occupation means – the 37,000 Turkish troops… the desecrated churches and cemeteries.”

*(L–R) AHI Benefactor Vasilios Tzimas, along with Dimitris Dafnis, Nick Larigakis, and Ioannis Loverdos*

Larigakis emphasized AHI’s catalytic role in promoting and safeguarding U.S.-Greece relations, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to remaining a robust pillar of diplomacy and cooperation.

The success of the evening once again confirmed that AHI’s annual gathering in Athens serves as a premier reference point for bolstering the strategic relationship between Greece and the United States.

It was a warm atmosphere rich with symbolism. Organized by the AHI Athens Chapter, the event has become a landmark on the capital’s social and political calendar, drawing a prestigious assembly of friends and distinguished personalities.

The event was honored by the presence of high-ranking officials and leaders, including the President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, Ioannis Saracakis, and the President of The American College of Greece (Deree), Dr. Edward C. Wingenbach. The leadership of the Hellenic Armed Forces was represented by high-ranking generals, air marshals, and admirals, including the Commandant of the Hellenic Military Academy (Evelpidon), Major General Vasileios Lambropoulos.

Also in attendance were Greek ambassadors and prominent figures from the business and academic communities, such as Academician and former President of the Academy of Athens, Dr. Stamatios Krimigis.

AHI Athens Chapter Rings in Grand Anniversary Year with Vasilopita Dinner

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