Presidential Proclamation -- Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2013

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF
GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Each year, America celebrates Greek Independence Day to strengthen the bonds between the birthplace of democracy and the world's oldest republic. We recognize the enduring contributions of Greek Americans, woven into the fabric of our national life. And we reflect on the ancient Hellenic principles that inspired our Founders to vest the powers of government in the hands of the people.
In both America and Greece, we are inheritors to great republics, entrusted to safeguard the ideals that make representative government work. Our peoples have learned that democracy flourishes when we respect our differences, hold fast to the principles that unite us, and move forward with common purpose. It is a legacy lived by generations of Greek Americans, who for centuries have helped write proud chapters in our country's history and continue to enrich the character of our Nation.
Today, we congratulate Greece, a valued NATO ally, as it commemorates the 192nd anniversary of its independence, and we pledge our continued solidarity as the country works to rebuild its economy. In the face of hardship, America stands with the people of Greece, confident they can meet the challenges of the 21st century while upholding their ancient ideals.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2013, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Greek Independence Day Parade

Panagiotis Karousos with Archbishop Demetrios

Mar 27, 2013

Protocol 38/13
March 25, 2013
Greek Independence Day Parade

To the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in the tri-state area
Beloved Omogeneia,
As brothers and sisters in Christ we anticipate with excitement and joy once again the inspiring celebration of Greek Independence Day through our participation in the annual parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.  This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, April 7, and I strongly encourage and urge all of our parishes and organizations to participate fully and enthusiastically in this very important event.
Our parade is a unique witness of both our faith and our Hellenic heritage. As we march together, we will commemorate the struggle of our forefathers and ancestors who made great sacrifices in order to establish freedom in our country after four centuries under foreign occupation. Faith in God, commitment to His will, and awareness of His great power and wisdom inspired our ancestors to stand for liberty, justice, human dignity, and life.  Certainly, these were longings of many generations who suffered under occupation and oppression; but in 1821 these blessings of freedom began to become a reality for the people of Greece.  On this day when we remember their offering, we will affirm the power of faith in God and offer an inspiring witness of this faith and of our cherished legacy and inheritance as Hellenes.
As we vigorously prepare for our parade and celebration may we also be mindful of how this event can inspire and guide our youth and children.  Through our observance of Greek Independence Day and a Parade full of power and enthusiasm, we have a blessed opportunity to teach them the significance of our Greek Orthodox heritage and the vital role our faith has had in shaping our Orthodox-Hellenic identity.  Let no one be left behind.  Let all of us be present at the Parade of April 7 and proclaim with strong voices our adherence to the eternal and universal values of Hellenism, like freedom and justice, and our faith in the rejuvenating power of Orthodoxy.
With paternal love in Christ,
†DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

National Greek Radio live broadcasted a successful concert with works by Panagiotis Karousos

Vasilis Asimakopoulos

MUSIC AND POETRY
Concert of chamber music with works by Panagiotis Karousos
On Friday, October 26, 2012 Presented by the Musical Ensembles of ERT at STUDIO C a concert of chamber music and arias from the opera Prometheus Bound by renowned Greek-Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos.
The concert was live broadcasted from the Third Program and presented by the actress Lida Dimitriou and coordinated by Katia Mantzari.
The great lyric artists performed beautifully the fine compositions and impressed the distinguished audience's of the Third Program of Greek National Radio specialized to the classical music. The audience who attended the studio applauded all artists.

Alexandra Matthaioudaki, Fotini Athanasaki, 

Chris Delizonas, Vasilis Asimakopoulos

The talented bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos sang with warm beautiful voice the song "The Maid of Athens" by Lord Byron's poem which was broadcast in the news NET in a national Television prime time news reportage that followed the concert.

Fotini Athanasaki, Catherine Karabatsa

The great young talented artist Mr. Asimakopoulos performed also with dramatic vocal powers the Prometheus aria from the opera "Prometheus Bound".
The mezzo Fotini Athanasaki amazingly interpreted the aria of Violence from the opera "Prometheus Bound" and the song "Aristomenes" by Byron.
Tenor Christos Delizonas sang the melodious aria of Hermes with brio giving to the aria the correct interpretation.
Soprano Alexandra Mattheoudaki, a soloists of the National opera of Greece, interpreted the songs "For he comes" by Cavafis, and the "Sonnet 109" by Shakespeare.
The recitations of poems performed by the famous actress Lida Dimitriou where she gave a literary atmosphere, where was important for this special concert.

Fotini Athanasaki, Panagiotis Karousos

Also featured the works of chamber music: Piano Trio “Pythagorean”, Romance for Violin and Piano, Divertimento for Cello and Piano, and the romantic Piano Trio «D'amour». The participant musicians were: Gennadios Bykov, violin, Eugenios Bensis, cello, and the wonderful pianist Catherine Karabatsa, who had the musical direction on the piano.
The composer Panagiotis Karousos thanked the organizers of the director of the Third Program Virginia Neila, all artists, and General Director of ERA Mr. Dimitris Papadimitriou who gave him the opportunity to present his works through the live radio of the Third Program of Greece (ERT).
The comments on the music of Panagiotis Karousou were praised, perhaps he is the only composer of Greek origin who reviews have characterized his compositions a kind of divine music, in Greece but also in Canada and the U.S. where he has excelled.

 

Lida Dimitriou, Panagiotis Karousos, Katia Mantzari, Fotini Athanasaki, Vasilis Asimakopoulos, 

Gennadios Bykov, Chris Delizonas, Alexandra Matthaioudaki