NEW YORK – The Orthodox Church rejects the notion of limbo as a temporary of intermediate state after life on earth, also suggesting some uncertainty about one’s ultimate fate. The word may be apropos, however, of the state of the dwindling Greek community of Turkey and even the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Their plight was highlighted in a report by Ivan Watson which aired from August 28 to 31 on CNN International’s “World’s Untold Stories” series titled “Turkey’s Dwindling Greek Christians.” “The Last Patriarch” [Search on cnn.com for “The last Patriarch” for video clips of the program]
The political limbo describes a situation where for more than 50 years the ancient Greek community of Turkey has been subject to systematic attack by the Turkish government - we would now call it ethnic cleansing – but today has been given some hope by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, who hopes to drive his country into the European Union.
That country and its neighbors anxiously await the results of a referendum on a government-backed constitutional amendment package scheduled for September 12, 2010. Some observers see the vote as a step towards dismantling the legacy of Turkey’s 1980 military coup, but secularists and others who don’t trust Erdogan and his AKT party fear it as the next step in Islamist Erdogan’s dismantling of the secular state established by Kemal Attaturk. Erdogan’s party portrays the ballot as necessary to the country’s quest to join the EU. Many things hang in the balance, among them the fate of Turkey’s Greeks and their institutions.
Watson spoke primarily to Patriarch Bartholomew, the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, fist among equals among hierarchs for 250 million Orthodox Christians, but no Turkish government has even recognized that title. To them, he is simply a bishop of a dwindling flock many Turks hope will soon disappear. Watson’s interview conveyed the fear among many that Bartholomew may be “The Last Patriarch,” but the vigorous, sharp and kindly hierarch will not hear of that: “We simply insist to be there because our natural position, our place, is there. If we [have been] there for 17 centuries, why should we leave and go elsewhere?”
A PAINFUL HISTORY
After years of effort by the Archdiocese, the Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew and numerous other Greek American Organizations, the Patriarchate seems finally to be visible on the radar of the American news media. The CNN program follows a similar segment that appeared on CBS’s 60 Minutes in 2009.
Watson’s conversations with Patriarch Bartholomew took place in the island of Imvros, the Greek-populated island which was awarded to Turkey by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.
Taking brisk steps that defy his seven decades, the Patriarch spoke of a happy childhood and a thriving Greek community, as the camera panned green valleys and hills rising from the Aegean Sea. The island’s Greek population, along with that of Constantinople (they were exempt from the 1922 exchange of population between Greece and Turkey, one of the notorious provisions of that treaty) was supposed to be protected.
Despite harassment by Turkish authorities from the moment they signed the Treaty, and especially during World War II when the world was focused elsewhere, the communities survived. Constantinople’s Greeks thrived until the pogrom of 1955. The city’s Greeks then exceeded 100,000, now there are less than 3000. After the pogrom Greeks fled the city.
Watson spoke with Giorgos Stefanopulos, “an outspoken leader of Istanbul's Greek community.” He said, "I am a curiosity now in Turkey...We used to be a minority; now we are a curiosity... The Turkish government somehow managed to do a bloodless ethnic cleansing,”
Watson noted that “about 50 years ago, that community numbered more than 100,000. Today, it's probably less than 3,000.” Stefanopoulos “insists that decline was not accidental. Decades ago, he said, they targeted ethnic Greeks with nationalist policies, like wealth taxes, property seizures, and campaigns to speak only Turkish in the streets.”
Stefanopoulos is Dean of the Engineering Department in Constantinople’s Isik University. He and Watson visited one of nine Greek schools that remain. Nine-year-old Chrysovalantis is the only student in his school. He likes the personal attention he gets from Greek and Turkish teachers, but he wishes there where other students to play with. During recess, he plays soccer in the basement with the custodian.
IMVROS
The Imvriotes were more or less left alone until the 1960s, when Ankara decided to let them know they were no longer welcome. Chris Katirgis, one of few Greeks left on the island, was visited by Watson and his film crew. He said half a century ago there where 7000-8000 people on the island, and Watson declared that “ barely 200 are now living amid the ruins of their neighbors homes.”
Katirgis turned his house into a museum with photos and other mementos as a tribute to those who lived there and are now gone. Many have passed away, but the real tragedy is the disappearance of the young people. Katirgis said, “A place that [has] no school is dying – because there is no young generation.
HOPE FOR CONSTANTINOPLE
“We have suffered because of Greek-Turkish confrontation, struggle, and a lack of mutual trust and confidence. And that is why we lost most of our faithful," said the Patriarch, whose institution has
“had a complicated relationship” with the Turkish government,” Watson reported. But Patriarch Bartholomew is not a dreamer, he just chooses to focus on new signs, the good ones. He told Watson “"We have many young people from Greece who want to come and be established in Turkey...This is an opposite current than before."
According to Watson, “Haris Rigas is part of that trickle of fresh immigration, which offers perhaps the best hope of reviving Istanbul's Greek community.” Rigas told him “The minute I came I was in love with the city and felt that I had to live here.” He has been studying the Greek community and plays in a local Rembetiko band, the only Greek among the musicians. Watson said “His studies and his music are focused on the preservation and promotion of Greek culture.” He believes “The only way for the community to survive is to attain a degree of visibility.”
The National Herald spoke with Prodromos Katsantonis, the president of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople. He is on his way to the city to see for himself what is happening, but be believes that if Turkey does join the EU, “There will be improvements for the Patriarchate and the Community.”
RECONCILIATION: REALITY OR P.R.
In August, the “Turkish state and the Ecumenical Patriarchate made a historic step towards reconciliation,” said Watson. “Thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered for a prayer service at the ancient cliffside monastery of Soumela, near Turkey's Black Sea Coast, on August 15. Patriarch Bartholomew conducted a divine liturgy, the first Christian service of its kind at Sumela, in more than 80 years.”
The Patriarch was thrilled to have presided there, but he must have wondered about the future. The Turkish government can veto any candidate put forward for the position of Patriarch. And it requires the Patriarch be a Turkish citizen. Last year the government has proposed offering Turkish citizenship to Orthodox archbishops overseas. Several have applied; so far, none has been approved.
In 1971, the Turkish government shut the seminary where Greek Orthodox clergy traditionally trained. For a number of years, officials have hinted at re-opening the Theological School of Halki, and this year the promises seem to be stronger, and there are positive signs. ANA-MPA has reported this week that “The Halki School of Theology in Turkey opened its doors for the first time in 30 years on Sunday August 29, 2010 for an art exhibition. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew inaugurated an exhibition entitled "Tracing Istanbul" in Halki, one of the Princes' Islands located in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul.”
During the opening ceremony Patriarch Bartholomew said, "We hope the seminary will reopen, and we expect our government to do so as soon as possible."
Also, Greek Minister of Culture Pavlos Geroulanos called the ceremony in the seminary "historic," and hoped that the school would be reopened. "Turkey is going through a period of transition," said Egemen Bagis, the country's Minister for European Union Affairs...Turkey's becoming a much more democratic, much more prosperous, much more transparent society." Asked by Watson about Halki, “Bagis insists the government is still working on it.” As usual, Greek hope springs eternal.
In a sober moment Geroulanos acknowledged that "We shall not know for a long time yet if these moments that we are experiencing are historic.” In the face of such uncertainty, the Patriarch is steadfast about his Church’s survival in Constantinople: “ We trust a divine providence, and the guarantee given to us by our Lord himself, that the church can survive. This is our faith, this is our conviction, this is our hope, this is our prayer. And all the rest we leave at the hands of God."
But reaching out to the American media, moving his arms and making waves– as the Greek aphorism advises – also helps.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
If You Went to Chelsea Clinton's Wedding You Missed Dean's
Greetings friends, its been a long time. I told the truth in my last post, that I was writing all the time, but that was for the newspaper I work for. Visit their Web site at thenational herald.com and you can see my video reports for free. Subscribe to a great paper and see all of my writing, though I will try to post them to this blog as much as possible.
Yes, Dean got married! To wonderful Maria almost 2 weeks ago on July 31 at the Evangelimos church in manhattan. Look me up on facebook for some pictures, and I will post some here too.
Here is a link to our wedding song, "Love" by John Lennon: youtube.com/watch?v=mXsugQXWj28.
Yes, Dean got married! To wonderful Maria almost 2 weeks ago on July 31 at the Evangelimos church in manhattan. Look me up on facebook for some pictures, and I will post some here too.
Here is a link to our wedding song, "Love" by John Lennon: youtube.com/watch?v=mXsugQXWj28.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Dean is Back and is writing all the time - Today on Obama and Helathcare Reform
Greetings friends, its been a long time! I hope everyone had a good summer and that the new season is a good one for you. Kalo Mina! - "Happy New Month" to my Greek friends.
A lot has happened these many months. I have a new full-time job: Assistant Managing Editor of The National Herald, the english edition of the largest Greek American newspaper in the United States. In addition to my management responsibilities, I write articles and editorials about things of interest to the Greek American community, but since that includes covering cultural matters, my non-Greek friends might enjoy reading them, so I will try to post everything that the paper publishes, including articles from other sources on an assortment of topics.
Politically, I believe President Obama's first months have gone as well as could have been expected. We'll see if his healthcare plans will survive the expected onslaught. I believe he was prepared for it and that he always planned for a second round - next year or in 2011 after the hoped-for economic upturn enables him to seek a renewed mandate in general and on his healthcare reforms. The massive government spending of the economic stimulus package - which was absolutely necessary and which I believe did keep the world economy from going over a cliff - is too scary for most people to want to add healthcare reform costs now, necessary thought they might be for real savings in the future.
I believe he told Congressional Democrats to come up with the best plan they can now and see what the "Health Industry" does to it. Once the general population grasps the greedy, vicious and dishonest nature of the attacks, and once the economy improves, they will be more open to a revised plan. Anyway, thats what Dean would have done, but he's not sitting in the White House, thought he does love his office in Long Island City.
A lot has happened these many months. I have a new full-time job: Assistant Managing Editor of The National Herald, the english edition of the largest Greek American newspaper in the United States. In addition to my management responsibilities, I write articles and editorials about things of interest to the Greek American community, but since that includes covering cultural matters, my non-Greek friends might enjoy reading them, so I will try to post everything that the paper publishes, including articles from other sources on an assortment of topics.
Politically, I believe President Obama's first months have gone as well as could have been expected. We'll see if his healthcare plans will survive the expected onslaught. I believe he was prepared for it and that he always planned for a second round - next year or in 2011 after the hoped-for economic upturn enables him to seek a renewed mandate in general and on his healthcare reforms. The massive government spending of the economic stimulus package - which was absolutely necessary and which I believe did keep the world economy from going over a cliff - is too scary for most people to want to add healthcare reform costs now, necessary thought they might be for real savings in the future.
I believe he told Congressional Democrats to come up with the best plan they can now and see what the "Health Industry" does to it. Once the general population grasps the greedy, vicious and dishonest nature of the attacks, and once the economy improves, they will be more open to a revised plan. Anyway, thats what Dean would have done, but he's not sitting in the White House, thought he does love his office in Long Island City.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT
As we prepare to watch him take the oath of office and present his innaugural address, may God inspire President Barack Obama. God bless Barack Obama, God bless America
Monday, January 19, 2009
The days dwindle down to a precious few
As the remaining time of the second Bush administration trickles down to a not very precious few. Not precious even for Bush because surely, unless we really did elect a complete delusional to the presidency –TWICE – he must be most painfully aware of what a failure and disaster his reign was. I say reign because he would never have gotten closer to the White House than you and would by purchasing a ticket for a tour, had his father George Walker Bush not been president first. So humanity never really gets monarchy out of its system. Aristotle --who knew the genius of Philip and Alexander— declared it the best form of government, IF one could guarantee that the son would be as good as the father. But alas, that is not possible. He must have appreciated how lucky the Macedonian royal family was in the 4th century B.C. The Bush family was not so lucky. And neither were we.
I keep bringing up Bush senior, who even I now acknowledge was a better president than we thought (the Eisenhower of our era—he seemed dumb because the wasn’t the most articulate tool in the shed) He bears some responsibility for his son. History is filled with kings (and non- monarchical leaders) preventing their sons from cashing in the family’s political chips.
Among modern greeks even George Papandreou allegedly declared “God help Greece if my son ever becomes Prime Minister.” He did. The extent of God’s help is still unclear. And now the grandson waits his turn at bat.
The irony in Bush Junior’s case is that the job he really wanted was to be the commissioner of baseball. As bad as that likely would have been for the national past-time, it probably wouldn’t have been much worse than the tenure of certain “Bud” Selig proved to be—lets call him the godfather of the steroid era. But “Bud”, a team owner himself (the commissioner is supposed to keep an eye on the owners) never let go of his “temporary” appointment. So,there being no opening in the world of baseball, George turned to the “real” world and became governor of Texas. Since he did not screw up Texas they way he did all his earlier endeavors, and being blessed with some kind of charm, he was “elected” president of Florida, I mean of the U.S. The boy is nothing if not lucky—his brother Jeb was governor of the U.S., I mean Florida at the time of the “election.”
Some would say those nasty “ “ “ “ are out of place and that we should look forward, not backwards. Yes of course, our country has serious work and repairs to do, but calls for investigations are legitimate. And if sober examinations of the facts of the Bush administration’s wars and regulation of the economy are called for, they must proceed. The charge I invented for Bush himself is “criminal incompetence”, because if one’s stupidity leads to disasters for the nation it is criminal if not treasonous. As for the rest of his administration, especially Dick Cheney, stupidity had nothing to do with it. It’s not automatic that those men and women should be prosecuted because there are always many reasons, promoted by different legitimate interested groups, for going to war, or for adopting one regulatory stance or another. But lets take a look. Not for revenge, but for deterrence. All government officials, democrats as well as republicans, must know that they will be called into account for their actions.
Which brings us back, momentarily, to “Bud” Selig. Thanks a lot you selfish fool. And more substantially to George H.W. Bush (Bush Senior). You should have told the republican party to resist the temptation of nominating your son. I just learned that the term Bimbo, derived from the Italian word for child “Bambino”, originally referred to charming male fools, “Bimbo being a masculine word. There you have it: The Bimbo President. I never thought Al Gore would make a really good president, but his election was not to be prevented at all cost—and risks. Thanks a lot George senior.
But the minutes keep dwindling, and Junior will be tucked into bed soon for his last night at the White House. Good night George, and God forgive you.
I keep bringing up Bush senior, who even I now acknowledge was a better president than we thought (the Eisenhower of our era—he seemed dumb because the wasn’t the most articulate tool in the shed) He bears some responsibility for his son. History is filled with kings (and non- monarchical leaders) preventing their sons from cashing in the family’s political chips.
Among modern greeks even George Papandreou allegedly declared “God help Greece if my son ever becomes Prime Minister.” He did. The extent of God’s help is still unclear. And now the grandson waits his turn at bat.
The irony in Bush Junior’s case is that the job he really wanted was to be the commissioner of baseball. As bad as that likely would have been for the national past-time, it probably wouldn’t have been much worse than the tenure of certain “Bud” Selig proved to be—lets call him the godfather of the steroid era. But “Bud”, a team owner himself (the commissioner is supposed to keep an eye on the owners) never let go of his “temporary” appointment. So,there being no opening in the world of baseball, George turned to the “real” world and became governor of Texas. Since he did not screw up Texas they way he did all his earlier endeavors, and being blessed with some kind of charm, he was “elected” president of Florida, I mean of the U.S. The boy is nothing if not lucky—his brother Jeb was governor of the U.S., I mean Florida at the time of the “election.”
Some would say those nasty “ “ “ “ are out of place and that we should look forward, not backwards. Yes of course, our country has serious work and repairs to do, but calls for investigations are legitimate. And if sober examinations of the facts of the Bush administration’s wars and regulation of the economy are called for, they must proceed. The charge I invented for Bush himself is “criminal incompetence”, because if one’s stupidity leads to disasters for the nation it is criminal if not treasonous. As for the rest of his administration, especially Dick Cheney, stupidity had nothing to do with it. It’s not automatic that those men and women should be prosecuted because there are always many reasons, promoted by different legitimate interested groups, for going to war, or for adopting one regulatory stance or another. But lets take a look. Not for revenge, but for deterrence. All government officials, democrats as well as republicans, must know that they will be called into account for their actions.
Which brings us back, momentarily, to “Bud” Selig. Thanks a lot you selfish fool. And more substantially to George H.W. Bush (Bush Senior). You should have told the republican party to resist the temptation of nominating your son. I just learned that the term Bimbo, derived from the Italian word for child “Bambino”, originally referred to charming male fools, “Bimbo being a masculine word. There you have it: The Bimbo President. I never thought Al Gore would make a really good president, but his election was not to be prevented at all cost—and risks. Thanks a lot George senior.
But the minutes keep dwindling, and Junior will be tucked into bed soon for his last night at the White House. Good night George, and God forgive you.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Its been a long time
Greetings friends, I hope you all had a good summer. I have been a bad blogger. You will hear from me more frequently from now on, but I have been very busy with some neat stuff.
Last Thursday some Greek and Greek Cypriot Americans and other friends of mine hosted a fundraiser for Barak Obama and Joe Biden at the Olympic Tower's Atrium Cafe. More than 130 people attended. Pretty good considering 4 blocks away at the St. Regis Hotel there was a free catered reception for the Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyannis (she will be Greece's first woman Prime Minister one day).
Here is the link to the event's web site. Pictures will soon be posted there.
http://oregoninternetpages.googlepages.com/nygreekamericanandfriendsforobama
This is our press release:
New York, September 30, 2008 – Greek and Greek Cypriot Americans recently held a fundraiser reception in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden. More than 120 people joined the grassroots effort, “New York Greek Americans and Friends for Obama-Biden ’08.” The event was held Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the Olympic Tower Atrium Café in New York City. Special guest speaker was Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-NY).
The event’s highlights included greetings from noted Greek American developer, philanthropist, and Democratic party activist Angelo Tsakopoulos, who said he was very happy and encouraged to see young Greek Americans taking an interest in public affairs. Assemblyman Gianaris told guests that he had spoken to Senator Obama about this event and that Obama was very pleased that this event was another element in the multicultural foundation of this presidential campaign. Obama acknowledged the gifts of Hellenes to mankind and the contributions of Greek Americans in making America the greatest country in the world.
Mr. Gianaris stressed the importance of political activism both for the Greek American community and for America. He shared his personal story of his involvement in the 1988 Michael Dukakis presidential campaign and how that became the springboard for his life in politics. He strongly encouraged supporters to go to key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Florida to campaign for Obama-Biden.
Speaker Dr. Dean Lomis, former Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and friend of Senator Biden highlighted the Obama-Biden support of Greece and Cyprus stressing how as a member of the United States Senate Barack Obama has supported Greek American community positions on Greece and Cyprus. Dr. Lomis detailed Joseph Biden support and leadership on vital issues for more than 30 years. An Obama campaign field organizer in New Jersey, Ted E. Anastasiou also addressed the guests. “I don’t think it any small coincidence that Greek Americans, whose heritage has contributed so much throughout history and brought about such positive change in this country and the world, are openly receptive to Senator Obama's campaign for change,” Anastasiou declared.
Fundraiser event hosts Dean Sirigos, Olga Alexakos, co-hosts and chairpersons are leaders and members of numerous Greek American organizations. Event host Jeff Kurzon is affiliated with Armenians for Obama and Obama NYC. Sirigos stated that their purpose was “to show our support for Obama-Biden and their promises of change to make our government more responsive to the needs of its people, to make our people truly secure through a harmony of power and principle, and to better project our values and ideals around the world, especially the bedrock principles of our support for Greece and Cyprus: the rule of law, democracy based on majority rule with minority rights guaranteed, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. “
Olga Alexakos thanked the guests for attending “the wonderful and important opportunity for New York area Greek Americans to rally for an Obama-Biden ticket and to make a vital contribution to this important campaign.” Alexakos and Sirigos thanked several benefactors for their generosity and support including Dr. Ana Maria Trilliouris, Sultana Glyptis Rehnberg, The Lekas family, Michael and Alice Halkias,of the Grand Prospect Hall, Nick Tsoulos and Nick Pashalis of Avra Estiatorio, Dino and Vasilios Bakakos of the Lafayette Grill and Bar, Stella and Sam Catechis of Stellar Importing, and Gus Theodoro of Gus’s Place. Future events will be announced on the web site: nygreekamericansforobama.com.
Featured speakers were introduced by Mistress of Ceremonies Dorothy Poli. The evening concluded wilth a musical performance by Blue Note recording guitarist Spiros Exaras accompanied by vocalist Fay.
About Assemblyman Michael Gianaris
Gianaris is Assembly member for the 36th Assembly District in Queens and the first Greek-American to be elected to office from New York City. In the Assembly, he emerged as a leader on government reform issues sponsoring numerous measures to improve the efficiency and productivity of state government. Born to Nicholas and Magdalene Gianaris, he is a lifelong resident of Astoria and graduate of the New York City public school system. He graduated from Fordham University, Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science before receiving his law degree from Harvard Law School, attending at the same time as Barack Obama.
Last Thursday some Greek and Greek Cypriot Americans and other friends of mine hosted a fundraiser for Barak Obama and Joe Biden at the Olympic Tower's Atrium Cafe. More than 130 people attended. Pretty good considering 4 blocks away at the St. Regis Hotel there was a free catered reception for the Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyannis (she will be Greece's first woman Prime Minister one day).
Here is the link to the event's web site. Pictures will soon be posted there.
http://oregoninternetpages.googlepages.com/nygreekamericanandfriendsforobama
This is our press release:
New York, September 30, 2008 – Greek and Greek Cypriot Americans recently held a fundraiser reception in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden. More than 120 people joined the grassroots effort, “New York Greek Americans and Friends for Obama-Biden ’08.” The event was held Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the Olympic Tower Atrium Café in New York City. Special guest speaker was Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-NY).
The event’s highlights included greetings from noted Greek American developer, philanthropist, and Democratic party activist Angelo Tsakopoulos, who said he was very happy and encouraged to see young Greek Americans taking an interest in public affairs. Assemblyman Gianaris told guests that he had spoken to Senator Obama about this event and that Obama was very pleased that this event was another element in the multicultural foundation of this presidential campaign. Obama acknowledged the gifts of Hellenes to mankind and the contributions of Greek Americans in making America the greatest country in the world.
Mr. Gianaris stressed the importance of political activism both for the Greek American community and for America. He shared his personal story of his involvement in the 1988 Michael Dukakis presidential campaign and how that became the springboard for his life in politics. He strongly encouraged supporters to go to key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Florida to campaign for Obama-Biden.
Speaker Dr. Dean Lomis, former Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and friend of Senator Biden highlighted the Obama-Biden support of Greece and Cyprus stressing how as a member of the United States Senate Barack Obama has supported Greek American community positions on Greece and Cyprus. Dr. Lomis detailed Joseph Biden support and leadership on vital issues for more than 30 years. An Obama campaign field organizer in New Jersey, Ted E. Anastasiou also addressed the guests. “I don’t think it any small coincidence that Greek Americans, whose heritage has contributed so much throughout history and brought about such positive change in this country and the world, are openly receptive to Senator Obama's campaign for change,” Anastasiou declared.
Fundraiser event hosts Dean Sirigos, Olga Alexakos, co-hosts and chairpersons are leaders and members of numerous Greek American organizations. Event host Jeff Kurzon is affiliated with Armenians for Obama and Obama NYC. Sirigos stated that their purpose was “to show our support for Obama-Biden and their promises of change to make our government more responsive to the needs of its people, to make our people truly secure through a harmony of power and principle, and to better project our values and ideals around the world, especially the bedrock principles of our support for Greece and Cyprus: the rule of law, democracy based on majority rule with minority rights guaranteed, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. “
Olga Alexakos thanked the guests for attending “the wonderful and important opportunity for New York area Greek Americans to rally for an Obama-Biden ticket and to make a vital contribution to this important campaign.” Alexakos and Sirigos thanked several benefactors for their generosity and support including Dr. Ana Maria Trilliouris, Sultana Glyptis Rehnberg, The Lekas family, Michael and Alice Halkias,of the Grand Prospect Hall, Nick Tsoulos and Nick Pashalis of Avra Estiatorio, Dino and Vasilios Bakakos of the Lafayette Grill and Bar, Stella and Sam Catechis of Stellar Importing, and Gus Theodoro of Gus’s Place. Future events will be announced on the web site: nygreekamericansforobama.com.
Featured speakers were introduced by Mistress of Ceremonies Dorothy Poli. The evening concluded wilth a musical performance by Blue Note recording guitarist Spiros Exaras accompanied by vocalist Fay.
About Assemblyman Michael Gianaris
Gianaris is Assembly member for the 36th Assembly District in Queens and the first Greek-American to be elected to office from New York City. In the Assembly, he emerged as a leader on government reform issues sponsoring numerous measures to improve the efficiency and productivity of state government. Born to Nicholas and Magdalene Gianaris, he is a lifelong resident of Astoria and graduate of the New York City public school system. He graduated from Fordham University, Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science before receiving his law degree from Harvard Law School, attending at the same time as Barack Obama.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
I've been waiting for this inspiration for a long time. My friends have been waiting--especially my fellow students in a certain Kyrios and a certain Kyria's (Mr. and Mrs, but married only in spirit) claess.
Greek Americans understand about Greek school, but I think many ethnic groups attempt the same (lets assume noble intentions but you know where that paved road often leads to, yes indeed). But for many of us it was the Great Greek American Nightmare. Not a trauma for all, granted, but for many. Imagine this (cue Twilight zone Music) after a FULL day of regular "American School" we got whisked to some other place, some rented schoolroom to learn the language of our fathers and mothers. Thats not bad. Thats's good. In our adult wisdom, we know we benefited. We are better connected to a great civilization. We speak a beautiful language better for it (or at least, we can write and read it better--no, our speaking grammar is better for it too). and we added at least 20 points to our SAT, GRE, all those E-scores.
Ma pou tous vrikane autous? Where did they find these people? They chased us with wooden coat hangers. They put chewing gum on our noses (yes they did! The greek dunce cap) they told our parents we were monsters. They seemed to DELIGHT in humiliating us (jeez, my greek accent is OK, but poor Athena --how could a man or woman who was now an American citizen but who could BARELY speak english make fun of the greek accent of a kid born in brooklyn?
Well its just two days old, a second draft, so I might accept suggestions.
My little parody ditty is set to the music (with apologies and best wishes) of Amy Winehouse's REHAB. I set my parody lines in bold typeface just below those for Rehab so you can match it to the music. With no musical education to speak of, I believe all but one line (noted) matches the beat. Yiasas
GREEK SCHOOL
They tried to make me go to rehab
They tried to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no.
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes I been bad and yiayia is sad
You wont know, know, know.
But no, no, no
I ain’t got the time
I ain’t got the time
And if my daddy thinks im fine
And if mbamba thinks Im fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab
He’s tried to make me go to Greek school
I wont go, go, go.
I wont go, go, go
I’d rather be at home with ray
I’d rather go out and play
I ain’t got 70 days
I ain’t got 70 days
Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me
Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me
That I can't learn from Mr. Hathaway
That I can’t learn from Yiayia today
Didn’t get a lot in class
Didn’t learn much greek culture
But I know it don’t come in a shot glass
But it shouldn’t be like torture -- torture!
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes Greece is cool but the teacher’s a fool
You wont know, know, know.
Yeah you know, know, know
I aint got the time,
I don’t wanna whine
And if my Daddy thinks im fine,
But greek poems always rhyme
He’s tried to make me go to rehab,
They even make me do the dances
I wont go, go, go.
Opa!, no,no, no
The man said, why you think you here?
The priest said why you think you here?
I said, I got no idea
I said, I got no idea
Im gonna, im gonna loose my baby
You can’t say, cant say I’m kakos (bad)
So I always keep a bottle near
Based on Mis-ter. Bar-fa-na-kos’ fear
Said, I just think you’re depressed
Said, I just think you depressed
Kiss me, yeah baby
You know!, you know!
And go rest
Greece the best!
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes I been black but the teach is on crack
You wont know, know, know
I know, know, know
I don’t ever wanna drink again
I don’t ever wanna get hit again
I just, ooo, I just need a friend
Mama says: you! “prepi na pas” (you must go)
Im not gonna spend 10 weeks
Mbamba says “xylo tha fas” (you will get a beating)
Have everyone think im on the mend
And I yell “noooooooo prepi! Noooooooo prepi!” (only here is music altered to fit)
It’s not just my pride
Hell-e-nic ed-u-ca-tion
It’s just til these tears have dried
Feels just like in-car-cer-a-tion
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back,
Yes I been bad but the teachers are mad
You wont know, know, know
You don’t know know know
I aint got the time,
I aint got the time,
And if my daddy thinks im fine
And if mbamba thinks im fine
He’s trying to make me go to rehab
He’s trying to make me go to Greek school
I wont go, go, go.
I wont go, go, go.
Greek Americans understand about Greek school, but I think many ethnic groups attempt the same (lets assume noble intentions but you know where that paved road often leads to, yes indeed). But for many of us it was the Great Greek American Nightmare. Not a trauma for all, granted, but for many. Imagine this (cue Twilight zone Music) after a FULL day of regular "American School" we got whisked to some other place, some rented schoolroom to learn the language of our fathers and mothers. Thats not bad. Thats's good. In our adult wisdom, we know we benefited. We are better connected to a great civilization. We speak a beautiful language better for it (or at least, we can write and read it better--no, our speaking grammar is better for it too). and we added at least 20 points to our SAT, GRE, all those E-scores.
Ma pou tous vrikane autous? Where did they find these people? They chased us with wooden coat hangers. They put chewing gum on our noses (yes they did! The greek dunce cap) they told our parents we were monsters. They seemed to DELIGHT in humiliating us (jeez, my greek accent is OK, but poor Athena --how could a man or woman who was now an American citizen but who could BARELY speak english make fun of the greek accent of a kid born in brooklyn?
Well its just two days old, a second draft, so I might accept suggestions.
My little parody ditty is set to the music (with apologies and best wishes) of Amy Winehouse's REHAB. I set my parody lines in bold typeface just below those for Rehab so you can match it to the music. With no musical education to speak of, I believe all but one line (noted) matches the beat. Yiasas
GREEK SCHOOL
They tried to make me go to rehab
They tried to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no.
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes I been bad and yiayia is sad
You wont know, know, know.
But no, no, no
I ain’t got the time
I ain’t got the time
And if my daddy thinks im fine
And if mbamba thinks Im fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab
He’s tried to make me go to Greek school
I wont go, go, go.
I wont go, go, go
I’d rather be at home with ray
I’d rather go out and play
I ain’t got 70 days
I ain’t got 70 days
Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me
Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me
That I can't learn from Mr. Hathaway
That I can’t learn from Yiayia today
Didn’t get a lot in class
Didn’t learn much greek culture
But I know it don’t come in a shot glass
But it shouldn’t be like torture -- torture!
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes Greece is cool but the teacher’s a fool
You wont know, know, know.
Yeah you know, know, know
I aint got the time,
I don’t wanna whine
And if my Daddy thinks im fine,
But greek poems always rhyme
He’s tried to make me go to rehab,
They even make me do the dances
I wont go, go, go.
Opa!, no,no, no
The man said, why you think you here?
The priest said why you think you here?
I said, I got no idea
I said, I got no idea
Im gonna, im gonna loose my baby
You can’t say, cant say I’m kakos (bad)
So I always keep a bottle near
Based on Mis-ter. Bar-fa-na-kos’ fear
Said, I just think you’re depressed
Said, I just think you depressed
Kiss me, yeah baby
You know!, you know!
And go rest
Greece the best!
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
Yes I been black but the teach is on crack
You wont know, know, know
I know, know, know
I don’t ever wanna drink again
I don’t ever wanna get hit again
I just, ooo, I just need a friend
Mama says: you! “prepi na pas” (you must go)
Im not gonna spend 10 weeks
Mbamba says “xylo tha fas” (you will get a beating)
Have everyone think im on the mend
And I yell “noooooooo prepi! Noooooooo prepi!” (only here is music altered to fit)
It’s not just my pride
Hell-e-nic ed-u-ca-tion
It’s just til these tears have dried
Feels just like in-car-cer-a-tion
They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
They’re tryin to make me go to greek school
I said no, no, no
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back,
Yes I been bad but the teachers are mad
You wont know, know, know
You don’t know know know
I aint got the time,
I aint got the time,
And if my daddy thinks im fine
And if mbamba thinks im fine
He’s trying to make me go to rehab
He’s trying to make me go to Greek school
I wont go, go, go.
I wont go, go, go.
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