Nomiki and the “Orangutans” Have Disgraced Our Community

PHOTO (Credit – Anamniseis): The board of the one side of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. From the left: George Seretis, Nikitas Theologitis, Tassos Karagounis, Evdokia Karapanou, Nomiki Kastana, George Meindasis, Anna Noti, Michalis Panaousis and Evangelos Katrazos. They should be ashamed of themselves!!

Nomiki Kastanas and the “Orangutans” have placed themselves outside ANY function of this Community, and they should not be allowed near the Parade again. 

By Nick Stamatakis

As we were trying to convince ourselves that there was a dimming, small chance to re-unite the two factions of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of New York, the side of Nomiki Kastanas hit rock bottom yesterday in an unbelievable race to discredit and damage our community. Everyone was preparing to attend the “Greek Independence” event at the NYC Mayor’s residence. But their concern was to issue a “Formal Complaint Regarding a Planned Award to Demetrius G. Kalamaras” by the Mayor’s Office…  This is a disgusting example of a lack of judgment and an absence of any leadership ability.  (NOTE: The Mayor gave the award/recognition just a few minutes ago…)

The letter “expresses…(their) strong objection and profound concern” regarding NYC’s decision to grant an award to Mr. Demetrius Kalamaras – who happens to be one of the leaders of the other side.  “The decision is deeply troubling considering Mr. Kalamaras’ divisive actions and controversial behavior within the Greek-American community.”

The letter goes on and on, revealing to the broader New York public the internal strife in our oldest organization, the Federation. It’s hard to believe that days before the Parade on Fifth Avenue, which this year is faced with more problems than in any other year, there would be some “leaders” in our community to expose our “dirty laundry” for the whole world to see…

The letter is signed by Nomiki Kastanas, the “president” of this side, and Tassos Karagounis, the general secretary. Let me remind everyone that Tassos Karagounis threatened me with violence twice in the last three months!! I have exposed him and asked for his removal from Parade functions – but I was talking to deaf ears. Both of them should not be allowed anywhere near the Parade EVER again.

The lengthy letter introduces the Mayor’s Office to the legal fight between the two sides, delving into details and slamming accusations as if it is the Court of Law and needs to decide on these issues…

But what is a true monument of hypocrisy is this statement: “Given the gravity of these circumstances and pending legal decisions, honoring Mr.Kalamaras would represent an endorsement of behavior contradictory t the principles of democracy, transparency, and community cohesion.” 

BUT HONORING VANGELIS MARINAKIS AS A GRAND MARSHALL TO OUR PARADE, WHO IS CURRENTLY INDICTED FOR RACKETEERING IN GREECE, IS AN HONORABLE ACT!!! Yes, my friends, these same people, “Nomiki and the Orangutans,” are among the chief proponents of honoring Marinakis!!  What hypocrites!!

The letter ends by requesting the Mayor’s office to “reconsider” the award….

In the last 24 hours, I have been inundated with messages against these unworthy people who are shaming our community… Why do they keep acting in such an arrogant and barbaric way?  Why are they not concerned about the results of their actions? This is precisely why I nicknamed them “Orangutans” a few months ago…

Did they do it intentionally to discredit the Federation and the Community completely? If they did, they achieved their goal!!

Yes, the other side bears some of the blame for the Federation’s decline into chaos and its lack of governance. I have published a long list of their mistakes; you can look back at Helleniscope’s reporting to find them. However, the atrocious behavior displayed by “Nomiki and the Orangutans” is on a level of its own.

All existing organizations must enter or re-enter the Federation and participate in its functions at Stathakeion – this is the best way to help renew it.  So many stay out because of legal and other problems.  But “Nomiki and the Orangutans” made clear yesterday that they have no place in this community.  They can go and stage their “fistfights” in the most infamous red districts of New York.  But they have no place among us!

March 20, 2025, n.stamatakis@aol.com   www.helleniscope.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.

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