NEW YORK – As March hurriedly bid farewell to a chilly February, stepping in a day early – last year the month ended on the 29th – the organizers of this year’s annual dinner-dance of the Panlemnian Philanthropic Association ‘Hephaestus’, led by Vice President Alekos Tsoukalas and President Elefterios Hasapis, warmly welcomed numerous members and friends on February 28 at the cozy event space of the Laterna restaurant in Bayside, NY.
The occasion? To celebrate the 119th anniversary of ‘Hephaestus’ and to honor Dr. Efstratios Demertzis, a distinguished academic and fellow Lemnian. The society recognized his remarkable and creative university career in the U.S. As stated by Hasapis and Tsoukalas, it was an acknowledgment of “his outstanding and timeless contributions to Hellenism and Orthodoxy.”
However, as Tsoukalas pointed out, time constraints as such events leave little room to do justice either to the Association’s legacy – it was founded in 1906 – or to Dr. Demertzis’ ongoing academic journey. (The Greek language ‘Ethnikos Kirikas’ published a feature on his career on February 23, 2025.)
And yet… everything fit in: As the Lemnians arrived, drinks and appetizers were served, followed by dinner – and the restaurant’s band set the tone for a joyful evening – apropos of the Carnival season that precedes Lent.
During the award ceremony Dr. Demertzis received an award from the Hasapis in the presence of the presiding priest of St. Anargyroi church, Fr. Ierotheos Markopoulos, Dr. Demertzis’ wife, Elpida Demertzis, their children, grandchildren, and niece.
With visible emotion, the professor of History and Greek Language began his speech, first expressing pride in the people of Limnos. He also honored past publisher and current editorial consultant of Ethnikos Kirikas, Antonis Diamataris, stating: “Who would have imagined that a village boy from Thanos, Limnos, would embrace global Hellenism through his newspaper? Antonis, along with Eraklis, Vanessa, and Veta and their families, give us ‘Ethnikos Kirikas’, keeping us company every day. That’s why Lemnians are incredible people.”
He went on to thank the president and the Board members of ‘Hephaestus’, and the Ladies’ Division ‘Maroula’ for honoring him and for the contributions of Lemnians to the Brotherhood, whose primary goal has always been “supporting our beloved Limnos and its people.” He emphasized, “Limnos must always be in our thoughts and hearts.”
The distinguished professor shared his journey – from his high school years in Myrina, his graduation from the Theological School of the University of Thessaloniki, to his decision to move to America. He pursued studies at New York University (NYU) and later at Hofstra University, earning two master’s degrees and a doctorate. He became a professor of History and Greek, teaching both non-Greeks and Greeks who didn’t speak the language, and co-founded study programs in Greece.
The gathering was a lively and dance-filled evening, with even the youngest attendees – some of whom may be fourth-generation descendants -spontaneously joining in the festivities.
Among the guests were professor and musician Grigoris Maninakis and the president of the St. Anargyroi community.
“The success of this event is the result of collective effort,” Hasapis told TNH with humility. However, he added the Greek proverb, “the enemy of good, is better,” suggesting that there is always room for improvement and no space for complacency.
The president also invited members and all Lemnians to participate in and support the Greek Parade on Fifth Avenue and the Association’s Easter celebration, with details to be announced. It was also noted that preparations for the grand 120th-anniversary event are already underway.
Speaking to TNH about this year’s Annual Dance, Tsoukalas expressed satisfaction but did not hesitate to note that attendance was lower than pre-pandemic events. He spoke with enthusiasm about honoring Professor Demertzis and nostalgically recalled his high school years in Limnos, where the professor’s sister and brother-in-law were his teachers. “What a coincidence!” he added: “Here in the U.S., Dr. Demertzis ended up teaching my daughter.”
The event also saw the release of a comprehensive commemorative album featuring messages from Lemnians and their families, businesses, and donors supporting the Association’s mission. It included greetings from the organization’s president and vice president, as well as a presentation of the honored academic’s university career.
Additionally, the album contained an article by Antonis Diamataris titled ‘The Miracle of Limnos’ Liberation’, a concise yet rich historical overview of the island’s strategic geopolitical position as the ‘guardian of the Bosphorus’ exit’, both in the past and today.
The Board of Directors of ‘Hephaestus’ consists of Elefterios Hasapis, President; Alekos Tsoukalas, Vice President; George Sarantis, First Secretary; Athanasios Zouvelos, Second Secretary; Panagiotis Dimitropoulos, First Treasurer; Vasilis Aftousmis, Second Treasurer; and members Georgios Vasilopoulos, Emmanuel Despoteris, Anastasios Garofalis, Nick Sourelos, and Anthony Zografos.
(Some names have been transliterated from Greek to English)
