04/03/2026
Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York
00:00 - 05:00: Introduction and Gala Updates
[00:00:52]: Meeting called to order. Chairman Lou Katsos announces the shift of the evening's lecture to 8:00 PM to accommodate the Cyprus session.
[00:01:44]: John Stroumbakis provides the Gala update: the 400-person obligation has been met, and 40 tables are sold out.
[00:02:09]: Announcement that 25 Evzones (Presidential Guards) will attend the Gala, a record-breaking presence for the event.
[00:03:14]: Recognition of donors: Steve Dendrinos (Kome restaurant), Crescent Street Construction, and the United Cretan Cultural Committee.
05:00 - 15:00: Financial Logistics and Fundraising
[00:05:47]: Lou Katsos is recognized for sponsoring three tables via his company, Econ.
[00:06:35]: Logistics for hosting the Evzones (total count updated to 28) and clergy to ensure they are seated as honored guests, not "theater" for the crowd.
[00:09:42]: Chairman highlights the Gala's $250,000 cost, emphasizing that checks must be received promptly to guarantee table placement.
[00:11:30]: Call for Parade Journal support; the total parade budget is estimated between $450,000 and $500,000.
[00:13:23]: Paul Makropoulos gives a raffle update: $10,000–$15,000 raised currently, targeting a $40,000 total.
15:00 - 25:00: Community Events and Education
[00:15:44]: Recap of the Greek American Folklore Society dance workshop featuring a master instructor from Greece.
[00:19:10]: Dimitris Filippidis and Professor Kostas Kyriakos discuss the successful bilingual multimedia historical experience from the previous Sunday.
[00:23:45]: Nomiki Castanas details student essay winners and the April 25th flag-raising ceremony at Athens Square.
25:00 - 34:00: Cultural Themes and Symbolism
[00:25:34]: Formal introduction to the theme: "Cyprus in the Fire of 1821."
[00:28:00]: Discussion of traditional attire; Chairman suggests wearing the Foustanella or other ethnic costumes to the Gala to celebrate heritage.
[00:30:19]: Paul Pavlakos discusses the "Bridging Revolutions" boat cruise (April 17th) celebrating the shared democratic ideals of Greece and the U.S.
[00:33:11]: Symbolic link explained: The Statue of Athena at Battle Hill (Green-Wood Cemetery) specifically faces the Statue of Liberty.
34:00 - 43:00: International Relations and Youth Outreach
[00:36:05]: Mention of 13 Consul Generals joining the boat trip to represent international Philhellenism.
[00:38:25]: Margaret updates on youth outreach: the April 24th IHS Global scholarship dinner and the afterparty featuring DJ Dimitri Z.
[00:41:49]: The Evzones arrive the Wednesday before the parade for a busy schedule including visits to St. Michael’s Home and local schools.
43:00 - 55:00: Parade Logistics and "The Float Problem"
[00:44:26]: Logistical Conflict: The Philadelphia Parade is scheduled for the same day; NY is capped at 48 floats due to shared rental suppliers.
[00:47:30]: Stavros Papagermanos confirms the hard deadline for Journal ads and Parade registration is April 14th.
[00:48:48]: Urgent request for Band Sponsors; each band costs roughly $1,600, and the parade is currently short on music groups.
55:00 - 01:13:00: Keynote Lecture – Cyprus in 1821
[00:55:58]: Lecture: "Cyprus in the Fire of 1821: Martyrdom, Diaspora, and the Pan-Hellenic Struggle."
[01:05:02]: Account of the July 9, 1821 massacre: The hanging of Archbishop Kyprianos and beheading of bishops Chrysanthos, Meletios, and Lavrentios.
[01:07:28]: The Chairman quotes Kyprianos’s defiance: "Hellenism is a race coexistent with the world, no one will ever destroy it."
[01:08:00]: Recognition of Cypriot volunteers like Ioannis Stavrianos who joined the fight on mainland Greece.
01:13:00 - End: Closing Remarks and Current Affairs
[01:13:42]: Professor Christos Ioannides discusses the cultural impact of Vasilis Michaelides’ poem, "The 9th of July 1821."
[01:42:03]: Philip Christopher (PSEKA) provides a sobering update on the 36% Turkish occupation of Cyprus, emphasizing that the spirit of 1821 remains relevant in the modern struggle for freedom.
00:00 - 05:00: Introduction and Gala Updates[00:00:52]: Meeting called to order. Chairman Lou Katsos announces the shift of the evening's lecture to 8:00 PM ...