The AHEPA family of Astoria, Hermes Chapter 186 and Ilion Chapter 135 hosted coffee hour at St. Demetrios Cathedral downstairs church hall on March Sunday, the 27th. We had two interesting Multimedia presentations on Greek Independence Day, by Br Peter Giakoumis Br Vassilios Chrissochos.
The new appointed Priest of the St Demetrios Cathedral and Community of Astoria, Father Vasileios Tsourlis blessed the meeting. He was excited to meet all of us and to establish a stronger relationship with our AHEPA Astoria family.----
Below is the information and bios for our presentations:
"The Greek Revolution from Official British Reports 1821-1822." Presented by Peter Giakoumis.
Brief bio:
Peter S. Giakoumis is an author, historical consultant and researcher of Greek military history. His primary focus is the Greek-Americans of the early twentieth century. He is the Director and founder of the Greek-American 1912 Project, which is dedicated to the accurate portrayal of the Hellenic American contributions to the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. He holds a Master's Degree in International Relations from the City University of New York, Queens College.
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"1821: The Liberation of Greece." Presented by Vassilios Chrissochos.
Brief bio:
Vassilios (Billy) Chrissochos is a historical consultant who has given presentations on
various Hellenic themed subjects such as “The Historical Significance of OHI Day,” “Byzantium’s Macedonian Dynasty,” and “1821: the Liberation of Greece” among many
others. He is the primary composer, historical consultant, and producer of Porphyra’s
“The Story of Princess Anna Porphyrogenita" which debuted at Carnegie Hall and Off Broadway. It is a Musical inspired by Penelope Delta’s Byzantine Epics. It follows Emperor Basil II’s sister, Anna Porphyrogenita, and her heroic Adventures. Set in the year 988 AD, the story chronicles Princess Anna Porphyrogenita and her marriage to Grand Prince Vladimir of the Kievan Rus. The next production is set for June 24th-26th, 2022 at St Demetrios Preparatory School in Astoria.
Vassilios is also working on a TV documentary with his Hellenic History Series project
on "World War I’s Balkan Theater", and a children’s Art book on Greek history and mythology. He is currently hosting a show on New Greek Television (NGTV) in NY called "Hellenic Stories" which showcases Greek Organizations, Societies, Churches and Fraternities.
CLOSING REMARKS BY:
Professor Christopher Tripoulas who is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communications at St. John’s University and CUNY LaGuardia Community College. A regular columnist for the Greek and English language National Herald Newspaper, print and digital, completing his PHD at the University of Athens, and on his spare time is a supporting psalter at St. Constantine and Helen, Jackson Heights. He is a proud member of the AHEPA Hermes Chapter # 186 holding the position of Chairman of the Chapter’s Education Committee.
