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Since its inception, the American Hellenic Council has been the focal point of political activities of Greek Americans in California. The AHC has become an effective and respected political lobbying group whose purpose is to lobby the U.S. Congress for the protection and promotion of Greek-American interests. During its existence, the American Hellenic Council has supported numerous Hellenic issues, has made political donations and raised significant contributions for members of Congress who support Hellenic issues.
On March 21, 2009, the American Hellenic Council of California hosted its 34th Annual Honors Dinner Dance at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. With over 350 people in attendance, the evening was a great success thanks to the support of our members and friends.
Every year, AHC celebrates the achievements of dedicated political and community leaders who have made major contributions to Hellenic causes. This year, with former Governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis as the event's MC, the Council recognized the accomplishments of three honorees - His Excellency Ambassador Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras, His Excellency Ambassador George L. Argyros, and Congressman Zack Space (D - OH 18th). Each honoree gave a remarkable speech, brief but informative.
His Excellency Ambassador George L. Argyros was recognized with the Aristeio Award for Excellence for his outstanding social contributions and distinguished accomplishments. In addition to his years of service as the United States ambassador to Spain, he has made his mark with many philanthropic donations to educational and charitable causes.
Serving his last year as the Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles, His Excellency Ambassador Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras was presented with the Kapodistrias Award for his outstanding a nd dedicated service to the Greek-American community.
Also, Congressman Zack Space was presented with the Pericles Award for commitment to issues of principle and justice. He was acknowledged for his many years of friendship and his support of the Hellenic community and the causes of Greece and Cyprus.
Additionally, both Ambassador Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras and Honorary Consul General of Cyprus Andreas Kyprianides gave speeches commemorating Greek Independence Day.
In addition to these distinguished individuals, many other dignitaries attended, including Congressman Ed Royce, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, International Pop Star Anna Vissi, several professors and deans from Chapman University, and Founder and Board Member of AHC Aris Anagnos. A significant number of young professionals also attended, which gives encouragement to our community that our youth is interested in supporting the work of the Council.
The event also featured live performances from Opera Singer Christina Alexopoulos, who sang both the Greek and American national anthems as well as other Greek folk songs. The evening concluded with live Greek music from Nontas and his band. The attendees danced until well after midnight, and even smashed glasses during zembekiko! There was also a silent auction, which helped AHC to raise more donations to support their efforts to sustain the presence of a Greek voice in the national political arena.
Next year's Annual Honors Dinner Dance is expected to be held the last Saturday of March 2010 in Los Angeles, CA. For more information on contributing, attending or participating, please direct all inquiries to the American Hellenic Council at: 323-651-3507 or email: info@americanhellenic.org
All-access gold passes are on sale for the special discount rate of just $120 until June 15th. Don't miss this chance to see everything LAGFF has to offer, from our opening and closing night galas to our industry panel featuring "My Life In Ruins" actress/filmmaker Nia Vardalos and the Greek Minister of Tourism the Hon. Kostas Markopoulos, plus a tribute to filmmaker Penelope Spheeris for one very low price. Prices increase after June 15th, so click here to buy your gold passes now!
Visit www.lagreekfilmfestival.org for the full program and for more information!
The Ecumenical Patriarchate Needs Your Support!
Urge your Member of Congress to support H.Res. 373
On Tuesday, November 27 2007, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg began to hear the first case ever brought before a European court filed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate against Turkey, seeking redress for properties confiscated by the Turkish government, namely the Patriarchal orphanage on the island of Pringipos.
In an effort to dry out the wellspring of the Orthodox faith, Turkey continues to defend its appropriation of church lands by denying legal status for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, even while the most adamant supporters of Turkish interests in the U.S. Congress have conceded that Turkey should cease its repressive policies imposed on the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Co-Chair of the Turkey Caucus Congressman Robert Wexler wrote to President Bush declaring that Turkey should "guarantee unequivocally religious freedom to the spiritual head of the second largest Christian Church in the world."
The AHC depends on the generous support of its members in order to continue to fight for a peaceful and equitable solution in Cyprus, an end to religious oppression in Turkey and many other important issues.
The AHC exists to ensure that the voice of the Greek American community is heard and respected by our elected officials. To do this we must bolster our membership to ensure we have the clout and the resources to accomplish our task. This is why we are asking you to become a member of the Council today!!!
Become a member today!!
Los Angeles Greek Film Festival - June 25-28, 2009
AHC Co-Sponsors Congressional Briefing with Congressman Xavier Becerra
Over 50 Key U.S. Policymakers Show Support for Cyprus and Other Hellenic Issues at the 25th Annual Washington Conference
U.S. Secretary of State Clinton meets with Archibishop and CEH Cyprus Conference Leaders
CEH Releases Statement Congratulating President Obama
CEH Leaders Help Focus U.S. Senate Leadership on Cyprus and Other Hellenic and Orthox Issues
Patriarch meets Obama in Turkey
Royce Leads Effort to Protect Rights and Religious Freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
President Clinton Discusses Hellenic and Orthodox Issues At Annual Washington, D.C. Fundraiser
Obama/Biden Statement on Greek-American Issues
Greek Ambassador Continues Capitol Hill Briefings on Greece's Leadership in the Region
Final version of Republican Party Platform-- No language regarding
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias to address Democratic National Convention
Greece is the word in white wines for summer
Senators Menendez and Snowe move U.S. Administration on FYROM issue
Recent US Administration actions reveal obstacle to FYROM name impasse
CEH leaders lobby key U.S. policymakers on Cyprus invasion commemoration
Congressman Royce Issues a Floor Statement on the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus
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Telephone: 323.651.3507 • info@americanhellenic.org
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