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<TITLE>Zappeion Megaron AFGLC Opening Ceremonies</TITLE>
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<B><FONT SIZE=6>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><img src="rotating_globe.gif" width="70" height="72">OPENING
CEREMONIES<B><FONT SIZE=6><img src="rotating_globe.gif" width="70" height="72"></FONT></B></P>
</FONT></B>
<p align="center"><font size="6">OF THE AFGLC-CENTER OF GREECE/ATHENS</font></p>
<B><FONT SIZE=5></font></B>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On October 10, 2000 the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture
(AFGLC) inaugurated its Center of Greece at the Zappeion Megaron in a celebratory
atmosphere and with the participation of hundreds of dignitaries and other
Greeks. The leadership of the AFGLC was represented by Dr. Chris P. Tsokos,
President, Dr. John U. Balis, Vice-President, and Dr. Demetrios G. Halkias,
Treasurer, all of whom traveled to Greece especially for this event. The
following addresses are a testimony to the interest and enthusiasm with
which the opening of the Center as well as the mission of the AFGLC were
met in Greece. The addresses appear according to the order of their presentation
at the ceremonies. </p>
<hr>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="center"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Dr. N. K. Artemiadis</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">President of the Academy of Athens</font></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
</font></B>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Mr. Minister,</p>
<p>Members of the Academy of Athens,</p>
<p>Mr. Mayor,</p>
<p>Mr. President of the AFGLC,</p>
<p>First of all, I would like to thank the President of the AFGLC as well
as his colleagues for their invitation to me to address this audience during
the inauguration ceremonies of the Center of Greece/Athens.</p>
<p>My joy was great when on January 23, 2000 the President of the Foundation,
Dr. Chris P. Tsokos, on behalf of the Executive Committee, invited me to
the opening ceremonies of the Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies
at the University of South Florida. Unfortunately, for technical reasons
it was impossible for me to join them.</p>
<p>When I learned about the creation of the AFGLC I was overjoyed, and from
this place here I would like to extend warm congratulations to all individuals
involved for their initiative and generous efforts towards the realization
of their plans.</p>
<p>I am willing --and at this point I am sure that I am expressing the view
of all members of the Academy of Athens-- to help the AFGLC in its efforts
as much I can.</p>
<p>I totally agree with the motto of the Foundation, "history will not
forgive us if we do not succeed in the rejuvenation and preservation of
Hellenism in the Americas" for one additional reason: I lived and taught
in various Universities of the United States of America for twenty years,
and I am confident that the seeds sown by the Foundation will bear fruit
because times are ripe.</p>
<p>Concerning the aims of the Foundation, I would also like to add the following:</p>
<p>I do not think that the crisis in education is strictly a Greek phenomenon.
In my opinion, a major factor contributing to this crisis is the fact that
classical education has been marginalized.</p>
<p>Classical education, very much a Greek kind of education, has as its purpose
to shape the soul and mind of the young generation through understanding
of the classical works of antiquity, to teach man to "know thyself",
to make him reach the kernel of his being.</p>
<p>"Technological education" brings the spirit outwards and calls
it to take control of material things and natural forces. But it is self-evident
that man, in order to control his environment without becoming arrogant
and hybristic, (and he is in danger of becoming these today) must first
of all master himself, and this can be achieved through classical education.
Technological education without some courses in classics can transform man
into a computer-like mechanism.</p>
<p>As a historic people, we have the obligation to develop in depth the meaning
of classical education, which we invented. The problem therefore is how
to combine these two kinds of education, technological and classical, both
of which are necessary: the idealism through which Hellenism created the
ideas about the life of man, and the realism through which man ought never
lose his connection with reality.</p>
<p>I am certain that the Foundation can offer great services in this direction,
using simply the virtues of our nation.</p>
<p>I am optimistic that the AFGLC is ready to accomplish a positive task.</p>
<p>From the bottom of my heart I wish you good luck.</p>
<hr>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"> </P>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Mayor of Athens</font></P>
</font></B>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Ladies and Gentlemen,</p>
<p>It is with great pleasure I have come to the opening ceremonies of the
AFGLC-Center of Greece/Athens. I am confident that the Center comes to accomplish
an important national mission.</p>
<p>From the earliest time in their history the Greeks have been a migratory
people. Perhaps this is so because their thought has always been ecumenical.
A fundamental factor in the shaping of our thought, just as it is with every
culture, is our language.</p>
<p>It is a fact that frequently the third generation of immigrants, no matter
how strongly it remains Greek in its heart, due to a variety of reasons
has lost the divine Greek language. And this loss is regrettable because
it is the language which can express the Greek experience in its totality.</p>
<p>I know from personal experience that the Greek communities of the Diaspora
try hard to maintain our language and traditions, often under difficult
circumstances, while they cope with everyday realities. Their heart is always
in Greece, but this should not be understood as if they do not love the
country in which they prosper.</p>
<p>They need help and support, however, and these come primarily from the
Church and, unfortunately, only in an auxiliary manner from the State. The
initiative of individuals plays a fundamental role; this initiative starts
with the family, this most important social cell, and reaches up to the
levels of non-governmental organizations, like the American Foundation for
Greek Language and Culture.</p>
<p>Your aim to put the Greek language in the curricula of Institutions of
Higher Learning in the United States of America is well thought of because
it targets the highest levels of education, which produce those who eventually
will be in power. Taking into account the leading role of the United States
in the world today, we can understand the significance of your task.</p>
<p>The City of Athens is very sensitive towards culture and the traditions
of Hellenism and, through its cultural branches, has taken important initiatives
for the support of the Greek language in South Italy, the European Union,
and elsewhere. We will support you in any possible way, and I am confident
that your efforts will be crowned with success.</p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Dr. Angeliki Laiou</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs</font></P>
</font></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,</p>
<p>As the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs with portfolio for the Greeks
of the Diaspora and cultural policy abroad, I would like to extend cordial
greetings. I am sorry that, due to my absence from Greece, I am not present
at the opening ceremonies of the Center of Greece/Athens.</p>
<p>Today we are inaugurating the Center of Greece/Athens and with it its mission:
the preservation and rejuvenation of the Greek language and culture in the
United States of America. </p>
<p>We live in a world which is being transformed at a fast pace. The rapid
developments in global communications offer new opportunities, but also
present new challenges. In order for them to become useful, they must be
based upon strong foundations of humanistic and cultural values, which place
man on the highest pedestal.</p>
<p>Greece is a country with a glorious past, the cradle of western civilization,
but also a modern state, a dynamic society with great achievements in our
days, the will and ability to participate in the creation of a future characterized
by peace, social justice, economic development and reinforcement of our
cultural identity. The recent great success of our athletes in the Olympics
underlines this Greece of optimism and progress.</p>
<p>The preservation of our Greek conscience and identity as well as the cultivation
of our language should be the concern of all of us, so that it becomes a
carrier of our culture in the countries in which the Greeks of the Diaspora
live and prosper. But together with the preservation of our cultural heritage
let us not forget modern Greece, modern Greek language, modern art and culture,
which can offer as much as our tradition. It is important that people who
live outside our borders know about modern Greece, its life and activities,
and also the challenges and opportunities we have ahead of us in the European
Union.</p>
<p>I am extremely happy I find myself among people from the Arts and Letters
as well as from the business world of Greece and the United States, new
homeland to thousands of Greeks. The Greeks of the Diaspora are a valuable
part of Greece. We are proud of all of you who are so far away and, at the
same time, so close to our hearts and thoughts. I hope that today�s opening
ceremonies are the beginning of even more intense activity, which eventually
will spread all over the world. I wish you good luck. </p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Mr. Kostas Karamanlis</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">President of N. D.</font></P>
</font></B>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Mr. President,</p>
<p>The activities of the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture,
with its Interdisciplinary Centers for Hellenic Studies, come at a crucial
moment in which some major issues are at stake regarding our language and
cultural identity.</p>
<p>The globalization of the economy, communications, transportation of people
and ideas creates cultural phenomena. Thousands of languages are expected
to disappear in the forthcoming years, while the assimilating tendencies
which develop undermine the substance and meaning of a multi-cultural society.</p>
<p>We the Greeks speak a language which has a strong cultural background.
In its long journey it has evolved into an instrument rich in content and
possibilities, even by the standards of techno-communications.</p>
<p>This language is an element and expression of our cultural uniqueness.
Use of the same language satisfies a strong precondition for the connection
between the Diaspora and the motherland, Greece, and contributes to the
preservation of our cultural and national identity.</p>
<p>The spread of the Greek language requires coordinated efforts by the state,
foundations, and organizations. It requires, above all, that Greece reclaim
its historic role as a center for education and culture in the wider geographical
area, overcoming the socialist stiffness; the goal is the creation of a
new generation of Greeks "who partake in our education." In this
and other ways our homeland can offer its vision and contribute to today�s
world, which is in a state of perplexity and confusion concerning culture
and everlasting values. We all are called, therefore, to activate our refractive
sense of ecumenism.</p>
<p>I congratulate you on your initiative and wish you every success in your
work, which is useful in many ways.</p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Chris P. Tsokos, PhD</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">AFGLC President</font></P>
</font></B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
</FONT>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Your Honor, the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Ambassador of the United States of
America, distinguished President of the Academy of Athens, distinguished
guests, ladies and gentlemen, <U>Good evening</U> -- <U>kalespera</U> <U>sas</U>.</p>
<p>On behalf of the <B><U>American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture
(AFGLC)</u></B>, I wish to express our sincere thanks to the Greek people
for their enthusiastic and supportive reception that we have received in
establishing a center of our educational foundation here in Greece. We would
especially like to thank the new administrative committee of our center
in Greece for their outstanding effort for these activities.</p>
<p>The fundamental mission of the <B><U>American Foundation for Greek Language
and Culture</u></B> is to assist in the preservation and enhancement of
our rich Greek culture and language in the United States. To achieve this
noble mission, we have developed a dynamic plan, which is academically outstanding
and economically feasible. This plan is establishing <U>Interdisciplinary
Centers for Hellenic Studies</U> at public and private academic institutions
throughout the United States. This educational concept can do justice to
the complex and beautiful meaning of Hellenism. This intellectual process
carries all the essential elements to develop a strong nation.</p>
<p>When the founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia, they were well aware
of the fact that cultural and ethnic diversity would be an asset for the
newly created United States. But they also realized that the new State needed
some reliable and trustworthy foundations, and therefore they turned their
attention to the most respected fountain of wisdom: the ancient Greek political
theory. It is a well known fact, for example, that Thomas Jefferson could
read ancient Greek and also that his personal library contained more than
800 volumes in Greek. All this Greek knowledge found its way into the most
fundamental documents of the American State.</p>
<p>The Hellenic contribution to the development of America has been exponentially
decaying over the years and we strongly believe that it is our responsibility
to educate the Americans, never to forget, who the Greeks are and what we
have contributed. We must educate the leaders of tomorrow about the significant
importance of Hellenism as they proceed with their mission to structure
policies that affect the world in which we live.</p>
<p>I have often been asked the question, "Why establish a center of the
<B><U>American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture</u></B> in <U>Greece</U>?"
My friends and patriots, the noble mission of this public educational foundation
is the RESPONSIBILITY of not only us immigrants and our friends that live
in America, but all Greeks around the globe. The Greek government, the business
community, both private and public, academic institutions and various philanthropic
organizations should join in this responsibility. The returns and benefits
of this effort are astronomical. Our task is difficult and challenging;
however, it is essential. We believe and we are very optimistic that if
we all work together we shall overcome. We have an outstanding beginning
and we see a bright light in the depth of the tunnel.</p>
<p>My friends, being a "Greek" is a very rich, beautiful and unique
identification. But it also carries with it a certain responsibility to
tell the world who we are and the importance of Hellenism. The American
people are good people. They are understanding and hard working, but we
must educate them as to who we Greeks are and the significant contribution
we have made in the structuring of the United States and thus <U>WE ARE
ALL GREEKS</U>.</p>
<p>My friends and fellow Greeks, "if we do not succeed in the rejuvenation
and enhancement of Hellenism in the Americas, history will not forgive us."
That is why we must cooperate in a well-orchestrated effort: from both sides
of the Atlantic and with a deep sense of our heritage and our contributions
to humanity we will work together to put Greece in its rightful place of
honor. Bringing Greece to prominence not only will make our children and
us even more proud to be Greeks, but also will result in a better understanding
of our institutions and our world in general. Together we will succeed.</p>
<p>Thank you, sas euxaristo.</p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Dr. John U. Balis</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Vice-President of AFGLC</font></P>
</font></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"> </P>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Your Grace, Mr. Member of the Cabinet, Mr. American Ambassador to Greece,
Mr. Mayor of Athens, Mr. President of Academy of Athens, Ladies and Gentlemen.</p>
<p>The Mission of AFGLC is to assist in the preservation and enhancement of
Greek culture and language through the American Universities. The guiding
concept is based on the fact that the roots of the American democracy and
civilization need in perpetuity communication with the constituents of Greek
culture.</p>
<p>The Aims and Objectives of AFGLC will be accomplished with a multifaceted
plan, which has as a basic approach the establishment of Interdisciplinary
Centers of Hellenic Studies (ICHS) in strategically selected American Universities.
The first ICHS has been recently established by the AFGLC at the USF (University
of South Florida). This pioneer Center consists of five endowed professorships,
which cover the most important areas of Greek Studies including Language
and Literature, History, Philosophy, Culture and Orthodox Religion. The
Board of Directors of USF-ICHS consists of the Center's Director, three
members of the AFGLC Executive Committee and the Dean of Arts and Sciences.
Therefore, the presence and contribution of the AFGLC for the function and
direction of the Center is essential, and has been ratified in perpetuity
by the University. We anticipate that the future ICHS in other universities
will function in a similar manner and with the same organization.</p>
<p>The programs, accomplishments and future plans of the ICHS are presented
at the annual Educational Forum of AFGLC, which takes place early in March
at the USF. This annual forum has contributed significantly in spreading
the central idea of AFGLC that the establishment of ICHS in American Universities
is a goal of great importance, because it represents the key to open the
rich fountains of Greek culture for the American people and enhance the
identity of the Greek community in this country. </p>
<p>We believe that this ambitious endeavor can and should be accomplished
with a plan that incorporates the following premises: (1) Close collaboration
between the AFGLC and ICHS with the academic and administrative leadership
of the selected American Universities. (2) Creative interaction between
AFGLC and ICHS with Greek institutions of higher learning, and (3) Close
collaboration between AFGLC and its Center in Greece with the Business Community
in Greece and United States, as well as with the Greek and American Media,
and Greek, Greek-American and Philhellenic Communities.</p>
<p>The opening of the AFGLC-Center of Greece is a historical first step in
our long Journey to foster transatlantic collaboration with focus on the
promotion of Greek letters in American Universities and the enhancement
of Greek identity in America.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<hr>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<B><FONT SIZE=5>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Address of Dr. Demetrios G. Halkias</font></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><font color="#3333FF">Treasurer of AFGLC</font></P>
</font></B>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Mr. Secretary of Education,</p>
<p>Mr. Mayor of Athens,</p>
<p>Mr. U.S. Ambassador</p>
<p>Mr. President of the Academy of Athens</p>
<p>Ladies and Gentlemen:</p>
<p>I am very happy that I am with you today after 50 years of residing in
the United States of America to talk to you about the AFGLC.</p>
<p>A few Greek academicians at the University of South Florida recognizing
the importance in maintaining the Greek Language and the return of the classics
at centers of higher learning in USA we started working with the goal to
develop a center of excellence with sponsored professorships that will help
in the realization of our goals.</p>
<p>As many of you know, this interdisciplinary center of excellence became
reality on March 2000 after a number of years of diligent and concentrated
efforts by the members of AFGLC. The success of the development of the interdisciplinary
center is due to the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Voluntary service and financial assistance by the organizers of AFGLC.
[The organizers have no personal interests.] </li>
<li>Development of a detailed constitution and by-laws to meet the requirements
of the State of Florida </li>
<li>Keeping all Greek communities in Florida informed about the goals and
objectives of the Foundation by personal presentations </li>
<li>Developing a membership base by all who believe in the goals and objectives
of the foundation [AFGLC] </li>
<li>Recognition of those who sponsored a professorship or made major contribution
</li>
<li>Developing the necessary documents for obtaining a tax free status from
the Internal Revenue Service </li>
<li>Developing annual academic forums to exchange views and to promote the
goals and objectives of AFGLC and having an annual Gala </li>
<li>Continuous communication and collaboration with the University of South
Florida </li>
</ol>
<p>The AFGLC has developed such an interdisciplinary center which is economical
and is very unique because it includes all professorships we considered
important and it is the first such center which includes a sponsored professorship
for the teaching of Orthodox religion and Byzantine history.</p>
<p>Since the AFGLC has been recognized by centers of higher education as unique,
we have informed all the Greek organizations in USA about the goals and
objectives of AFGLC, we have made available the constitution and by-laws
of AFGLC, our expertise and our voluntary assistance in the event they are
interested in financing the development of centers such as the interdisciplinary
center of AFGLC in various universities in the USA.</p>
<p>As of now we are focusing in the development of such centers in St. Louis,
Mo, Pittsburgh, Pa, Southern New England, etc.</p>
<p>I am very delighted that today we are celebrating the opening of the AFGLC
center of Greece in Athens. I believe that the administration of the center
is in capable hands and the president Mr. Evangelos Soroggas is surrounded
by dedicated young men and women who believe in the goals and objectives
of AFGLC and I am certain that with their enthusiasm and their voluntary
work the center will succeed. I also believe that all of us should be proud
that we have such young men and women who are ready to follow our footsteps.
In addition, I would like to believe that many of you who are interested
in the maintenance and promotion of the Greek Language and culture will
join and become active members of AFGLC because only with the help of many
we will succeed. We can promise that all of us at the Headquarters of AFGLC
will keep close communication and cooperation with the AFGLC Center of Greece
in Athens and that we will participate every year in their cultural and
social events.</p>
<p>In closing allow me to thank and to congratulate the president Mr. Evangelos
Soroggas and his team members together with the responsible for international
cooperation Mrs. Fotini Priniotakis for their untiring efforts and diligent
work for the presentation of this beautiful evening.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><a href="index_athens.htm">Return to AFGLC-Greece Home Page</a></p>
<hr>
<p align="center"> </p>
</blockquote>
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