ASTORIA – A multifaceted event was presented at the crowded Stathakion Cultural Center on March 28, honoring the Greek national poet Kostis Palamas with music, a lecture, a book presentation, art exhibition, and remarks by many of the dignitaries present as well as a moving speech by Olympic gold medalist Pyrros Dimas.
Patras Society of New York President Panos Papadopoulos-Seretis gave the welcoming remarks then turned the microphone over to the event’s MC, Niovi Christopoulou, an attorney in New York, Washington, and Athens, Professor of Law at the City University of New York, and former candidate for the European Parliament.
Among those who shared their greetings at the event which was free and open to the public were Consul General of Cyprus in New York Michalis Firillas, Consul of Greece in New York Petros Dorizas, Regional Governor of Western Greece Nektarios Farmakis, former Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Katsaniotis, Member of Parliament Vasileios Kokkalis, and Platon Marlafekas of the Loux soft drink company. Gus Lambropoulos also shared greetings at the event.
Patras Fine Arts Association ‘Kostis Palamas’ President Professor Theodore Mallias spoke about the ideals of Olympism, the Olympic Hymn with its lyrics by Kostis Palamas. The detailed lecture highlighted the importance of the Olympic ideals and the Hymn which “revived the ancient Greek ideals of peace, democracy, freedom, equality, and brotherhood among the peoples of the Earth,” Dr. Mallias noted, adding that the Olympic Hymn also promoted excellence in creating Plato’s ideal citizen, ‘good and virtuous,’ meaning courageous and at the same time noble and respected.”
Palamas’ remarkable life and works were also highlighted as well as the worldwide efforts for the recognition of the Olympic Hymn. Dr. Mallias also noted the unique opportunity the U.S. has as host of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles to reinstate the Olympic Truce which calls for peace among the countries participating in the games.
Book presentation
Nicholas Alexiou, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Hellenic American Project at Queens College, CUNY, and President of the Greek American Writers Guild, shared his insights during the presentation on Dr. Mallias’ book, copies of which were available for signing after the event.
The Pancyprian Choir of New York led by Artistic and Musical Direction Phyto Stratis, with soloists Aggeliki Psoni and Ariadne Anna (Soprano) then performed the musical program of the evening which included the debut of the beautiful song ‘Welcome, Children’, Palamas’ poem set to music for the event by composer Phyto Stratis.
Performed by Soprano Ariadne Anna together with the Pancyprian Choir of New York, and narrated by lrini Tsiari, the emotionally-charged song demonstrated Palamas’ keen, lyrical observations about the island nation of Cyprus.
Also part of the musical program, ‘Bitterness’ was performed by the talented artist Nikos Kouroupakis and ‘The Roses’ performed by Aggeliki Psoni.
A video clip of the song ‘The Teacher’, performed by well-known Greek singer Vasilis Lekkas, was followed by an honorary plaque presented to educator Evangelos Chaziroglou.
Olympic Gold Medalist Pyrros Dimas gave a moving speech and was presented with a copy of Dr. Mallias’ book ‘Olympism’. Dimas noted that Olympism is not merely an athletic pursuit, but a way of life, it’s not just about victory, it’s about the effort, self-awareness, and the strength to overcome every pain. “To reach the podium at the Olympic Games, I went through countless hours of training, hard work and sacrifice, I had to overcome the doubts, failures, injuries and to come back strong,” Dimas said. “But today, apart from the Olympic ideals of Kostis Palamas and the struggle of 1821, we honor the people whose struggle doesn’t last just four years, but an entire lifetime, people with disabilities are not struggling for a medal, they are fighting for their place in society, for autonomy, for dignity. Their struggle is an endurance marathon, mental strength and perseverance. The Parents’ Association ‘The Fighters’ of Patras is not only an association, it’s a family that gives opportunities, hope, and support for these true champions.”
“This is the true essence of Olympism, it’s not about victory, it’s about the ongoing effort, the strength to pick yourself up after every fall, and this is the essence of ‘The Fighters’ of Patras, reminding us that there is no challenge that cannot be overcome, if there is support, love, and faith,” Dimas noted. “Today, with the support of these individuals, the true Olympic spirit is transformed into practice, a society that leaves no one out, in which everyone has the opportunity to fight, to evolve, and reach as far as they can.”
Dimas invited everyone to join in supporting the cause, “Olympism is not just for the athletes, it’s for everyone who fights, tries, and doesn’t give up. Let’s support these everyday pro-athletes, let’s become their team, their strength, their voice.”
“The greatest victory is not medals, it’s the ongoing effort to become better, overcome challenges, and not to leave anyone behind,” Dimas concluded.
Parents’ Association ‘The Fighters’ President Martha Christopoulos in her presentation highlighted the worthwhile programs and efforts of the organization.
Patras Society of New York President Panos Papadopoulos-Seretis gave the closing remarks, thanking everyone for attending, and looking forward to seeing everyone at the parade on March 30.
Visual works from the Patras School of Fine Arts ‘Kostis Palamas’ were also on display at the event.
A reception followed with refreshments for all those present.
