NO. 52

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) has been overwhelmed with an outpouring of statements and expressions of sympathy and condolences for the passing of AHI Founder Eugene T. Rossides. AHI is grateful and appreciative of all the sentiments of condolences it has received. Over time, AHI will share as many of them as possible. Today, AHI shares the following statements issued by prominent former and current government and religious officials.

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou

I express me deep sorrow for the loss of Eugene Rossides, pioneer in the defence of the rights of Hellenism in the US. Eugene Rossides, with his vision and tireless efforts, through the American Hellenic Institute which he established, contributed to the international awareness of our national issues and leaves a legacy of great work, which is being continued by his successors.

My warmest condolences to his family and the administration of the American Hellenic Institute.

Prime Minister of Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The news of the loss of Eugene Rossides fills the Greeks of the US with sadness, but also all of us who continue in the footsteps of the national effort that he made.

Eugene Rossides was the first Greek abroad who, with the approval of the Senate, took position in the executive branch of the US. And one of the first realizing the importance of the political organization of the Greeks of the US by founding the American Hellenic Institute. A strong voice in favour of the Law and the interests of Hellenism. But also a timeless bridge of cooperation between his first and the second homeland.

His legacy remains a shining example for the next generations, since it is based on strong foundations and is inspired by universal principals. Patriotism, and respect for law and democracy. This is why his national footprint will remain indelible in everyone’s memory.

Warm condolences to his family.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades

It is with deep sorrow that I was informed of the passing of Eugene Rossides, an iconic figure of the Hellenic diaspora in the United States of America, founder of the American Hellenic Institute and a strong fighter on behalf of the rights of Cyprus and of Hellenism.

Eugene Rossides was a true patriot whose special love for Cyprus, Greece, and their just struggles led him to the founding of the American Hellenic Institute immediately following Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in 1974 with the objective to support international legality.

His dedication and combative spirit in support of the rights of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot Hellenism are widely recognized both by Hellenism, more broadly, and also by the United States of America where he was engaged in his struggle for the freedom of Cyprus since 1954.

In recognition of his great contribution to the Republic of Cyprus, the state of Cyprus deservedly honored Eugene Rossides in 2016 with the Medal of Exceptional Service.

The fighting spirit of the noble Eugene Rossides with regard to the ideals of freedom and international legality is a guiding beacon for those who fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. His shining example will continue to inspire the struggle of Cyprus until complete vindication is achieved.

On behalf of the Government and myself personally, I express sincere condolences to his family, to the American Hellenic Institute, and to the Hellenism of the diaspora at large.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America (via Twitter)

I mourn the passing of Gene Rossides, one of the genuine lights of the Greek Diaspora and a true champion for Greece, Cyprus, justice, and the rule of law. His memory will be full of “τὸν ἀγήρων ἔπαινον” that Pericles lauded, a praise that will never grow old. Memory Eternal!

Former President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos

The former President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, contacted today, by telephone, the President of the American Hellenic Institute, Mr. Nikolaos Larigakis, and expressed his sincere condolences for the death of the prominent Greek-American Eugene Rossides. The late Eugene Rossides established the Institute after the [illegal] Turkish invasion [of] Cyprus and offered invaluable services, through the homogeneity and not only to, the defense of the Republic of Cyprus and the full implementation of the International Law for the just and sustainable solution of the Cyprus problem.

During this communication with Mr. Larigakis, Mr. Pavlopoulos warmly thanked him for the close and very productive cooperation, throughout his service as a President of the Hellenic Republic, with the aim to achieve the general objectives of the American Hellenic Institute, which especially refer to the support on Cyprus and Greece in general, by the homogeneity.

Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic Nikos Dendias (via Twitter)

Eugene Rossides was an emblematic figure of the Greeks abroad in the US. He offered valuable services to the Hellenism. Warm condolences to his family, and to the American Hellenic Institute for the loss of its founder.

Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides (via Twitter)

We are deeply saddened by news of the passing of Eugene (Gene) Rossides, passionate advocate for justice in #Cyprus following Turkish invasion, founder of @TheAHIinDC & source of inspiration for everyone in the Hellenic American community & beyond. Sincere #condolences to family.

Minister of National Defense of the Hellenic Republic Nikos Panagiotopoulos (via Facebook)

I express my sorrow for the loss of the founder of American Hellenic Institute (AHI), Eugene Rossides, a pure patriot, emblematic personality of the Greeks homogeneity of the US and an ardent fighter of the justice of Cyprus and Hellenism in his whole life.

Sincere condolences to his family, to the American Hellenic Institute and the Hellenic American homogeneity.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic

We express our sadness and our deep emotion for the loss of Eugene Rossides, one of the most emblematic figures of the Greek community abroad.

Eugene Rossides was a prominent member of the Greek-American Community, leaving behind a particularly important scientific and political legacy. He was the first Greek-American that received a government post, serving as Assistant Minister of Finance, from 1969 to 1973, and was the founder and the first president of the American Hellenic Institute.

Throughout his live, he offered unselfishly valuable services to Hellenism, for which he was honoured with important international distinctions. His contribution to the struggle of the Cypriot people for freedom was also important, as well as to the defence of the rights of Cyprus in the efforts for a viable solution to the Cyprus problem, after the Turkish invasion, in 1974. His loss is a blow to the world Greek community.

The political and service leadership, as well as the officials of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Eugene Rossides and to the American Hellenic Institute for the loss of its founder.

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt (via Twitter)

@TheAHIinDC is also a key advocate and partner in growing the US-Greece relationship. We are grateful for Gene’s legacy, and I join Ambassador Garber in expressing my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Judith Garber (via Twitter)

I am saddened by the passing of Gene Rossides, founder of @TheAHIinDC. A leader who accomplished much and served under two U.S. presidents, Gene's work strengthened the bonds between the U.S. & Cyprus. My condolences to his family and loved ones; may his memory be a blessing.

Congressman John Sarbanes and Former Senator Paul Sarbanes 

It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Gene Rossides, an outstanding public servant who dedicated his life and career to promoting the rule of law across the world.  As founder of the American Hellenic Institute, he was a tireless advocate of justice for Cyprus, bringing relentless focus and condemnation to Turkey’s illegal occupation and ongoing violation of basic human rights.  AHI flourished under his leadership and continues to benefit from his legacy.  

Gene was the embodiment of philotimo.  He treated friend and foe alike with decency, respect and compassion.  His passing is a loss for the Greek and Cypriot American communities, as well as for the country he loved and to which he contributed so much.  For all who value liberty, civil rights and human rights, he will continue to inspire.  May his memory be eternal!