ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ
There will be an open meeting with Yiannis Smaragdis, Director of “Kapodistrias” on Sunday, November 30, at 2 pm. at Stathakeion, where everyone is invited to meet the Director who has celebrated Hellenism in so many of his masterpieces.
By Nick Stamatakis
A sense of renewed optimism filled the Stathakeion Cultural Center on Tuesday evening as community leaders announced the imminent transfer of approximately $218,000 from the accounts of previous Greek Independence Parade committees to the newly formed Parade Committee under Lou Katsos. Former Parade Chairman Philip Christopher, who has overseen the accounts for the past three years, confirmed that the necessary arrangements had been finalized and that the funds would be transferred within the next few days. The amount includes two Citizens Bank accounts—one for Gala proceeds and one for operating expenses—marking the official handover of financial responsibility for the upcoming festivities.
Christopher acknowledged that he had initially been cautious about proceeding with the transfer due to ongoing legal disputes within the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. He noted that past court interventions had resulted in the temporary freezing of Federation accounts, raising concerns that parade funds—collected during challenging times—might become inaccessible. Ultimately, however, he emphasized that the new committee and its leadership bore no connection to the disputes and that the community’s priority must be ensuring financial stability for the preparation of the 2026 Parade.
In his remarks, Christopher underscored the need for unity across the Federation’s competing administrative centers. “We all have the same goals in this community,” he stated, calling once again for unified elections and the establishment of a widely accepted governing board. He pledged his full support to Lou Katsos, expressing confidence that the new committee would strive to organize one of the most successful parades in recent years, reflecting the pride and resilience of the Greek-American community.
The reality is that this year, the Parade Committee has already taken the basic organizational steps during the summer nd is already well ahead in preparation for a glorious 2026 Parade. A significant number of events, more than in any other year, have been scheduled, focusing on all aspects of the Greek Revolution of 1821, particularly “Kapodistrias” and the relationship between the Greek Revolution and America.
The gathering also highlighted ongoing initiatives related to parade planning. Parade and Reception Committee members noted that the final venue selection for the annual Gala would be announced soon. Helleniscope took the podium and invited everyone to the official New York premiere of the film “The Governor” on November 29. Yours truly also announced that there will be an open meeting with Yiannis Smaragdis on Sunday, November 30, at 2 pm. at Stathakeion, where everyone is invited to meet the Director who has celebrated Hellenism in so many of his masterpieces.
With the transfer of funds now underway and momentum building, community members expressed hope that the long-troubled Federation may finally be turning a corner toward collaboration and renewed purpose.
We certainly hope so.
November 19, 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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