No. 24

WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute President Nick Larigakis addressed the Greek American community of Naples, Florida, at two events held on March 28, 2018.

            The Men’s Club of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Naples invited President Larigakis to be the guest speaker at its annual luncheon, which was held at the Naples National Golf Club.  He spoke on the topic, “U.S. Relations with Greece and Cyprus and the Future of Hellenism in America,” before an audience of 60 persons.  Gus and Peter Stavropoulos and Tom Kyrus sponsored the luncheon.  Dr. Harry Dimopoulos coordinated the luncheon but could not attend due to illness.  Father Philemon Patitsas introduced President Larigakis.

            Later in the evening, President Larigakis presented under the theme, “U.S. Policy Choices:  Greece, Cyprus & Turkey,” at an informal dinner hosted by Dr. John Eliopoulos, Dr. Harry Dimopoulos (who was unable to attend), and John Pizzi and held at the Royal Palm Country Club. Approximately 30 persons attended the dinner which was added-on for individuals who could not make the luncheon.

 “On behalf of AHI, I appreciated the opportunity to address the Greek American community of Naples on the policy issues of importance to the Greek American community,” Larigakis said.  “I sincerely thank the community for its hospitality and for its strong interest in the topics discussed.”

President Larigakis especially thanked: Father Philemon Patitsas, Archons Gus Stavropoulos, Thomas Kyrus, and Dr. John Eliopoulos; Art Katsaros, Spero Manas, Richard Pappas and John Pizzi, for organizing and hosting the day’s speaking engagements.

In his remarks to the audiences, Larigakis provided an overview of U.S. policy in the eastern Mediterranean, especially in light of recent developments pertaining to Turkish aggression in the Aegean Sea.  Turkey’s ongoing occupation of the Republic of Cyprus and its suppression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s religious freedom were also discussed. He encouraged the community to reach out to their members of Congress to advocate on these issues.