American Hellenic Institute Hosts 52nd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner
No. 26
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its 52nd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner on March 21, 2026, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
The annual black-tie event brings together leaders from government, business, faith, and the Greek American community to honor individuals whose careers and achievements reflect a commitment to Hellenic ideals, public service, and leadership. The dinner remains one of AHI’s premier events and underscores the organization’s mission to advance the rule of law and strengthen United States relations with Greece and Cyprus.
AHI honored three distinguished individuals for their contributions:
Helen A. Carlos was recognized for her lifelong commitment to faith-based leadership, education, and institutional stewardship within the Greek Orthodox Church and Hellenic College Holy Cross.
Click below to watch a video tribute to Helen A. Carlos:
AHI Honors Helen A. Carlos for Faith, Leadership & Service
Savas C. Tsivicos was recognized for decades of leadership advancing Greek American and Cypriot causes through civic engagement, advocacy, and humanitarian service. An immigrant from Cyprus, Tsivicos has combined professional success as a business leader with sustained service across major Hellenic organizations, including two terms as AHEPA Supreme President. He has been a prominent voice for justice, human rights, and a lasting resolution to the Cyprus issue, earning wide recognition in the United States and abroad.
Click below to watch a video tribute to Savas C. Tsivicos:
AHI Honors Savas C. Tsivicos for Leadership & Advocacy
Stavros “Steve” Veletsis was honored for a lifetime defined by resilience, faith, and commitment to Hellenic heritage. From his early life in Constantinople and forced exile to Greece, to building a distinguished career in the American hospitality and food services industry, Veletsis has exemplified perseverance and service. His philanthropy spans Orthodox Christian missions, humanitarian relief, and the preservation of historic Hellenic and Orthodox sites.
Click below to watch a video tribute to Stavros “Steve” Veletsis:
AHI Honors Stavros “Steve” Veletsis for Lifetime of Service & Hellenic Heritage
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros attended and delivered formal remarks at the dinner, marking the first time he has participated in the AHI Anniversary Awards Dinner in this capacity. His presence underscored the significance of the event within the Greek American and Orthodox Christian communities. His full remarks may be viewed here: Archbishop Elpidophoros Remarks at the AHI 52nd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Dinner, March 21, 2026 at Capital Hilton – Washington, DC.
Chief Washington correspondent for FOX News Channel Mike Emanuel served as master of ceremonies. AHI Vice Chairman of the Board Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. introduced him.
The presentation of the colors was conducted by the Marines of Headquarters Battalion, United States Marine Corps. Maria Pearce performed the Greek and American national anthems.
Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered the Invocation assisted by Rev. Fr. Zissis Lappas of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Va. Sophia Pelekasis, a talented vocalist from The Juilliard School of Music, performed a mesmerizing musical interlude.
AHI Chairman of the Board James H. Lagos, Esq., and AHI Foundation Chairman Leon Andris delivered greetings.
AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis offered remarks:
“While this is a night for celebration, it is also a night to reconfirm our commitment to the mission of the American Hellenic Institute. More than 50 years ago, Gene Rossides founded AHI to advocate for U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus on the basis of the rule of law… Over the years, the mission has expanded, but the rule of law has remained a constant, a constant weapon in our quiver to use in our advocacy… I feel very strongly that the rule of law has to be the modern-day arsenal for democracy in advancing U.S. policy throughout the world,” said AHI President Larigakis, in part.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis; Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savvas; Director of the White House Visitor’s Office Alexandra Veletsis; and Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State Jacqueline Juffer.
Additional distinguished guests included Deputy CEO and Executive Board Member of the Public Power Corporation of Greece Alexandros Paterakis; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who attended the reception; and leaders of Greek American organizations, including Executive Director of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce USA Katerina Sokou; Executive Director of the National Hellenic Society Art Dimopoulos; Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative Mike Manatos; President of the Hellenic American Women’s Council Theodora Hancock; and President of the Alpha Omega Council, Boston Harry Vlachos.
Also in attendance were Vice Admiral (ret.) Vasileios Kyriazis, president of the AHI-Athens Chapter, and Chief of Staff at Calamos Investments Yanni Sianis.
AHI extends its sincere gratitude to the major benefactors of the 52nd Anniversary Awards Dinner for their generous support of the Institute’s mission.
Major benefactors included: James Lagos; Nick and Kathleen Chimicles; Helen Carlos and Ron Hilliard; Yanni Sianis of Calamos Investments; George and Karen Danis; Savas and Maria Tsivicos; Order of AHEPA; Gus Vretsinas; Steve and Berit Veletsis; Ted and Helen Vakrinos; Public Power Corporation of Greece; Elias Gerasoulis; Peter and Patricia Karounos; Costas Sideridis; Leon and Robyn Andris; Demitri and Georgea Halakos; Costas and Sophia Galanis; Elizabeth Bartz and John Chiames; Don and Maria Wills; John and Diane Alahouzos; and Kostas and Laura Alexakis.
